Michelle ThompsonFebruary unofficially marks the beginning of the tourist season on the Greek island of Santorini, with the arrival of the first cruise ships and the upcoming Easter holidays.
However, the island has experienced thousands of earthquakes since January, and experts are uncertain when they will cease. As a result, one cruise has already been canceled, and there are concerns that Santorini’s key industry may struggle this year.
Antonis Pagonis, president of Greece’s Association of Hoteliers, says, “In the past two days, we’ve noticed a decline in bookings, but we hope it will be temporary.”
Even if tourists remain committed to visiting, hotels may face staffing shortages when summer arrives.
Tourists gather to witness Santorini’s renowned sunset.
Santorini, one of Greece’s top tourist destinations, depends significantly on seasonal workers from both Greece and abroad. These workers support the island’s permanent population of just over 15,000 people, assisting in catering to tens of thousands of daily tourists during peak season.
However, the uncertainty surrounding the impact of recent tremors on tourism has led some workers to reconsider their plans for the summer.
Manos, a bartender who has worked on the island for five consecutive summers, explains, “It’s not that I’m afraid of earthquakes – Santorini is always shaking.” Though his job can be demanding with the heavy tourist crowds, the financial rewards have made it worthwhile. This year, he’s worried that the situation may be different. “If the season is weak, I might not earn as much or be needed for the whole summer. I can’t take that risk.”
As a result, Manos has accepted a job in Corfu and won’t return to Santorini this summer.
The island also needs temporary workers in the off-season, particularly construction workers to refurbish hotels ahead of summer. However, these renovations have halted due to safety concerns over the quakes. Hotel owners, fearing that workers might seek opportunities elsewhere, are urging the government to continue covering most of their salaries until work resumes.
“We have proposed a series of measures to support both the current workforce and those looking to work during the season,” says Antonis Pagonis. Although the government has shown a positive response, he adds, “It remains to be seen whether these measures will be put into action.”
While Greek authorities have been quick to address the risks posed by the tremors—dispatching rescue teams and declaring a state of emergency to speed up aid—some tourism industry professionals stress the need for further investment in the island’s infrastructure.
“The challenges won’t disappear once the earthquakes stop,” says Margarita Karamolegkou, who owns four hotels in Santorini.
“During peak season, Santorini hosts 70,000 workers and 160,000 visitors daily. While the government has responded quickly to the earthquake, we’ve long been advocating for improvements, like a new port,” says Margarita Karamolegkou.
There are also growing calls for tighter regulations on private rental properties, as they may not adhere to the same safety standards as the island’s hotels.
Santorini contributes about 2.5% to Greece’s GDP, generating an estimated €5.9bn (£4.9bn) annually.
Though no cancellations have occurred yet, hoteliers report a decline in bookings. Industry experts warn that if the situation continues for another month, businesses could face significant consequences.
During his visit to the island on Friday, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of preserving Santorini’s reputation as “an iconic tourist destination,” stating, “It is our duty to protect it, maintain its reputation, and ensure that 2025 remains a successful year for tourism.”
Ms. Karamolegkou, whose four hotels employ 120 people, acknowledges the challenges. She admits that if the tremors persist, she may have to delay opening her businesses. However, she remains hopeful for the future of the island’s tourism industry. “We’ve been in this business for decades, operating at the highest level. I’m confident that, even with fewer staff, our services will remain exceptional.”
