Santorini's Tourist Season in Peril Amidst Ongoing Earthquake Risks

As Santorini braces for the summer tourist season, ongoing seismic activity raises fears for its economy, prompting a decline in bookings and speculation about workforce shortages. Hotel owners and local officials call for government support and investment to safeguard the island’s vital tourism infrastructure.

Santorini, the famed Greek island, is on edge as the summer tourist season approaches, now overshadowed by the multitude of earthquakes that have rattled the region since January. With the arrival of the first cruise ships and Easter on the horizon, stakeholders question the potential impact on a tourism sector that is essential to the island's economy.

Antonis Pagonis, president of Greece's Association of Hoteliers, notes a worrying trend, stating, "We've experienced a drop in bookings over the last two days, but we remain hopeful that this is only a setback." Nonetheless, even if tourists continue to flock to Santorini, there is mounting concern regarding the availability of seasonal staff, as workers gauge the risks associated with returning to the island.

Tourism remains a lifeline for Santorini, which typically welcomes over 70,000 workers and daily visitors reaching up to 160,000 during peak season. Seasonal workers, primarily from other regions and countries, play a crucial role in managing the influx of visitors. With fears of a downturn, some have begun withdrawing from the labor market. A bartender named Manos, who has worked in Santorini for five summers, has opted to secure employment elsewhere in Corfu this year, citing uncertainty about job security amidst declining tourist forecasts.

The current seismic disturbances have also affected construction projects necessary to prepare hotels for the summer influx. Irina Karamolegkou, who operates multiple hotels on the island, emphasizes the need for government aid to maintain workforce stability, stating that proposed measures have been met with governmental acknowledgment but await practical implementation.

Greece's response to the quakes includes deploying rescue teams and declaring a state of emergency, yet broader tourism industry representatives urge for enhanced infrastructure investment. "The issues will persist beyond the time when the quakes cease," warns Karamolegkou. She advocates for long-needed developments, including a new port and stricter regulations on private rental accommodations.

Santorini contributes significantly to Greece's GDP, amounting to approximately 2.5%, generating an estimated €5.9bn annually. While cancellations have not yet materialized, industry experts caution that further decline in bookings may pose dire challenges for local businesses.

During a recent visit, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis underscored the importance of preserving Santorini's allure, stating, "It is our duty to protect it." Despite the apprehension felt by local business owners regarding the potential need to delay operations, there is a prevailing hope that Santorini's famed hospitality will endure, ensuring exceptional service even during these tumultuous times.