In brief
Santorini faces a mixed recovery in tourism as visitors slowly return after earthquakes.
The beautiful island of Santorini, a key tourist destination in Greece, is striving to bounce back after being rocked by a series of small earthquakes in recent weeks. Despite the tremors, which have left residents puzzled, the local economy is eager to restore its tourism-driven livelihood. With the arrival of two cruise ships last month marking the start of the travel season, Santorini is optimistic. The cruise industry anticipates a 10 percent increase in visitors this year, following a strong post-pandemic recovery. However, local hoteliers express concern, citing a drop of around 30 percent in bookings compared to the previous year. Alexis Yannoulatos, owner of the Blue Dolphins hotel, reported that occupancy rates for April are around 30 percent, but he is hopeful for a robust summer as reservations are expected to reach around 50 percent. He acknowledges, however, that the current month may not bring in significant revenue due to lingering fears from the earthquake incidents earlier this year. While the island’s unique geological features and rich culture draw visitors, the community remains equipped to manage tourism as it navigates through this unusual situation. As Santorini reopens its arms to tourists, it remains to be seen how rapidly the island will regain its status as a sought-after destination.
