Visitor numbers dwindle on Santorini due to seismic concerns deterring travelers from visiting
Title: Santorini's Summer Struggle: Earthquakes and Economic Woes
Subtitle: Greece's Pearl of the Aegean Adjusts to a Slump in Tourism
By Chase Cracking The Skomma* Stauze
Fira, Santorini's bustling capital, displays an unusual sight during the usual tourist-packed summer months - deserted streets and silent alleys. This year, the typically crowded island is grappling with a decline in tourism, a change not seen since the COVID-19 pandemic era.
The reason? Earthquakes. earthquake activity earlier this year on the island has left many international travelers hesitant to choose Santorini for their summer vacations.
With tourist traffic taking a dip, available airline seats have reduced by 26% from the beginning of the year to date[1]. However, airline seats are expected to improve slightly for the summer, with an anticipated loss of 10%-15% in tourist traffic[1].
Industry experts predict a downturn in revenue, with estimations indicating a potential fall in tourist traffic of 20%-25%[1]. With Santorini attracting over 3 million visitors annually, representing 10% of Greek tourism[2], such a decline would have significant ripple effects on the Greek economy.
The hoteliers of Santorini are offering last-minute discounts on room rates to attract tourists, but it's a race against time. Almost every day, three cruise ships dock in Santorini, bringing thousands of visitors eager to explore the island's attractions. The cruise tax, due to commence collection from July, isn't projected to affect this year's cruise ship arrivals[1].
Yet, the global cost of living crisis is also taking its toll on Santorini. Visitors are cautious in their spending, reflected not only in hotel bookings but also in their purchasing of souvenirs and dining[1].
Santorini, once a global vacation hotspot, is now learning to adapt to this change and reevaluate its tourism model. The calamity presents an opportunity for the island to shift towards sustainability[3], limiting mass tourism for a more balanced and eco-friendly tourism industry.
Related * Earthquakes: A Tourism Deterrent for Santorini * Santorini: Top Experiences and the Allure of Black Sand Beaches
[1] Yannis Paraschis, President of SETE, interview.[2] United Nations World Tourism Organization, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://unwto.org/system/files/codices/codice-0520-e.pdf [Accessed February 2023].[3] Greek Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Strategy for Santorini, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.tourism.gov.gr/en/news/strategy-tourism-santorini [Accessed February 2023].
- Despite the global cost of living crisis, tourists in Santorini are being cautious with their spending, as seen in hotel bookings, souvenir purchases, and dining.
- The decline in tourism, partly due to earthquake activity, has caused a significant ripple effect on the Greek economy, with Santorini, attracting over 3 million visitors annually, representing 10% of Greek tourism.
