Santorini Braces for Tough Tourist Season Amid Ongoing Earthquakes

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The Greek island of Santorini is facing uncertainty for its upcoming tourist season due to thousands of earthquakes occurring since January. With the unofficial tourist season beginning in February and cruise ships expected to arrive, industry officials report a decline in bookings. Antonis Pagonis, president of Greece's Association of Hoteliers, noted, "In the past two days, we have seen a drop in bookings but hope this will be short-lived."

The island, which supports a permanent population of just over 15,000, experiences a significant influx of seasonal workers, especially during the peak summer months when it welcomes around 160,000 visitors daily. However, several workers are reconsidering their plans due to concerns about potential tourist withdrawals. Manos, a bartender, expressed concern over job security, stating, "If the season is weak, I might not make as much money."

Local authorities have declared a state of emergency and are deploying rescue teams, while hotel owners are advocating for government assistance to maintain their workforce. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of preserving Santorini's reputation as a tourist destination and improving the island's infrastructure.

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