In brief
Hotel owners and workers in Santorini express growing concern over declining bookings and a potentially weak tourist season due to ongoing earthquakes. With the island heavily reliant on seasonal staff and a response from the government pending, the future of tourism in this iconic destination hangs in the balance.
As February ushers in the unofficial start of the tourist season on Greece's picturesque island of Santorini, the charm of the locale is now overshadowed by the tremors of thousands of earthquakes recorded since January. The seismic activity has already led one cruise line to cancel its stop on the island, prompting fears that a vital source of revenue for the economy may be at risk."Bookings have decreased in the last couple of days, but we remain hopeful for a rebound," said Antonis Pagonis, president of Greece's Association of Hoteliers. However, the challenges extend beyond just the influx of tourists. The island, with a permanent population of roughly 15,000, needs a large seasonal workforce to accommodate the expected daily visitor count of over 160,000 during peak periods.Manos, a bartender who has worked multiple summers on the island, has opted to take a job elsewhere due to the uncertainty. "I’m not scared of earthquakes – that’s part of living here – but the worry of fewer tourists means less income for me," he noted.The construction sector, crucial for readying hotels ahead of the tourist influx, has also seen its activities stalled due to safety apprehensions linked to the quakes. "We’ve submitted requests to the government for wage support for our workers during this downtime," Pagonis stated, highlighting the urgency of a government response.Greek authorities have swiftly reacted, launching rescue operations and declaring a state of emergency, yet some industry leaders argue that infrastructural investments are still overdue. Margarita Karamolegkou, a hotel owner, remarked on the need for enhancements such as a new port and stricter regulations on unlicensed tour accommodations.Santorini significantly contributes about 2.5% to Greece's gross domestic product, generating around €5.9 billion annually. Although cancellations currently remain absent, hotel proprietors report a drop in bookings, raising alarms about the potential financial fallout should the seismic disturbances persist.During a recent visit, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis acknowledged the need to maintain the island's tourism reputation, emphasizing, "It is essential to protect Santorini, preserving its allure for years to come."Karamolegkou is realistic but optimistic, claiming, "If the quakes continue much longer, we may need to delay reopening. However, we have decades of experience, and I'm confident our service standards will remain high." As Santorini braces for what may be a tumultuous summer, its future as a top tourist destination hangs in the balance.
