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Summer time blues as vacation bookings drop 23% in Santorini
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Santorini, the jewel of the Cyclades, is feeling the uncertainty this summer time as vacation bookings have dropped by 23% in comparison with the identical time final yr. The island’s normally thriving tourism sector is displaying early indicators of pressure, with airline seat schedules additionally down by 9%, in response to the most recent figures as reported by Greek outlet Kathimerini.
A collection of latest earthquakes within the surrounding maritime space have made some travellers suppose twice about reserving their slice of Santorini paradise. Whereas early predictions had tourism chiefs bracing for worse, financial consultants within the sector now say the affect is ‘restricted’ and will enhance if seismic exercise continues to stabilise.
Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni struck an optimistic tone on the ITB Berlin 2025 tourism truthful, telling reporters that ‘the Newest knowledge present seismic exercise within the area of Santorini has noticeably dropped, and life on the island is returning to normalcy, carefully following scientists’ steerage and instructions.’
Will costs drop? Not an opportunity
Regardless of the dip in demand, Santorini’s famously excessive costs have remained stubbornly untouched. Hoteliers are holding agency, anticipating a rebound because the season progresses. Extra readability is predicted within the coming weeks when journey businesses finalise their funds to hoteliers and airways.
Security first: restricted entry and cable automotive closure
Authorities aren’t taking any possibilities. A joint ministerial choice will quickly implement new security measures, together with momentary entry restrictions to areas at greater danger of landslides. Among the many largest adjustments? The island’s iconic cable automotive might stay out of motion for all the yr whereas essential stabilisation work is carried out.
Different in style spots, together with Ammoudi and elements of Thirasia, are additionally more likely to face restricted entry attributable to elevated landslide dangers following the quakes.
The larger image: Greece nonetheless in excessive demand
Whereas Santorini’s dip is notable, the broader image for Greek tourism stays robust. Main journey businesses proceed to report strong demand for holidays in Greece, and the difficulty hasn’t prompted ripples at ITB Berlin 2025.
To counteract any lingering hesitation, the Municipality of Santorini, the South Aegean Regional Authority, and the Greek Nationwide Tourism Organisation are gearing up for a significant worldwide promotional push to revive confidence within the island.
Santorini’s observe report: can it bounce again?
Final yr, the island welcomed 1.54 million worldwide arrivals, up 1.8% from the earlier yr. With 336 lodges working on the island – 74 five-star, 99 four-star, and 93 three-star properties – Santorini has loads of infrastructure to soak up fluctuating demand.
For now, the island’s tourism business is holding its breath, hoping that holidaymakers will return in pressure.
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