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Summer season 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 via 23% in comparison to the similar time remaining 12 months. The island’s in most cases thriving tourism sector is appearing early indicators of pressure, with airline seat schedules additionally down via 9%, consistent with the most recent figures as reported via Greek outlet Kathimerini.
A chain of fresh earthquakes within the surrounding maritime space have made some travellers think carefully about reserving their slice of Santorini paradise. Whilst early predictions had tourism chiefs bracing for worse, financial mavens within the sector now say the have an effect on is ‘restricted’ and may toughen if seismic job continues to stabilise.
Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni struck an constructive tone on the ITB Berlin 2025 tourism truthful, telling newshounds that ‘the Newest information display seismic job within the area of Santorini has noticeably dropped, and existence at the island is returning to normalcy, carefully following scientists’ steerage and instructions.’
Will costs drop? No longer a possibility
In spite of the dip in call for, Santorini’s famously top costs have remained stubbornly untouched. Hoteliers are preserving company, anticipating a rebound because the season progresses. Extra readability is predicted within the coming weeks when trip companies finalise their bills to hoteliers and airways.
Protection first: limited get entry to and cable automotive closure
Government aren’t taking any probabilities. A joint ministerial determination will quickly put into effect new protection measures, together with transient get entry to restrictions to spaces at upper chance of landslides. Some of the largest adjustments? The island’s iconic cable automotive may stay out of motion for all of the 12 months whilst an important stabilisation paintings is performed.
Different well-liked spots, together with Ammoudi and portions of Thirasia, also are more likely to face limited get entry to because of larger landslide dangers following the quakes.
The larger image: Greece nonetheless in top call for
Whilst Santorini’s dip is notable, the broader image for Greek tourism stays sturdy. Main trip companies proceed to document cast call for for vacations in Greece, and the problem hasn’t brought about 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 world promotional push to revive self belief within the island.
Santorini’s monitor document: can it leap again?
Final 12 months, the island welcomed 1.54 million world arrivals, up 1.8% from the former 12 months. With 336 motels working at the island – 74 five-star, 99 four-star, and 93 three-star houses – Santorini has a number of infrastructure to take in fluctuating call for.
For now, the island’s tourism trade is preserving its breath, hoping that holidaymakers will go back in pressure.
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