Earthquake fears delay Santorini’s tourism season—what travelers should know

The beginning of the season in Santorini has been postponed to May due to recent earthquakes. According to TUI, Greece ranks second among Europe’s most popular tourist destinations based on current bookings.

While general forecasts for Greek tourism this summer appear positive, developments on Santorini have highlighted a persistent vulnerability in the tourism sector, which remains susceptible to external factors and sudden events, a reality frequently pointed out by industry operators in recent years, according to New Money.

Early summer forecasts remain optimistic for Greece

Looking ahead to Greece’s summer of 2025, early indicators suggest favorable demand, with major European players in the tourism sector—whether airlines adding more Greek destinations to their summer programs or large tour operators—showing positive early signs.

However, concerns about Santorini and the seismic activity in the region have raised questions about the future of this iconic destination.

Santorini’s uncertainty: Increased seismic activity, impact on tourism

The ongoing seismic activity around Santorini has added a layer of uncertainty to the island’s tourism future. As noted in a recent analysis by the National Bank, the most certain fact is the intensification of this uncertainty.

According to Antonis Pagonis, president of the Local Hoteliers Association, businesses on the island are in constant communication with experts and responding to inquiries from international tourists. The government, alongside regional authorities, has made tourism stakeholders available on an open line to coordinate responses to safety and security issues.

Key question: Will Santorini be ready for summer season?

While the summer rush to Santorini remains distant, the preparations for accommodation and ongoing work are already underway. A significant concern is the inability to carry out repairs and maintenance at accommodations due to the state of emergency, which will last until March 3.

This raises the crucial question of whether businesses can complete necessary works and be ready by mid-April, just in time for the Easter period. According to Antonis Iliopoulos, president of the Santorini Hoteliers Association, some hotel owners are contemplating delaying their openings until May due to these conditions.

Labor shortage: Growing concern for Santorini’s tourism sector

Another issue that has been gaining attention is the shortage of seasonal workers in the tourism sector, especially as many workers are now considering opportunities in other popular destinations like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu. Santorini’s tourism industry has faced growing difficulties in hiring full-time staff, and the seismic activity has further exacerbated job security concerns for potential workers.

Tourist arrivals: No major cancellations yet

Currently, Santorini has not seen any significant cancellations for the summer season, which is promising. The island’s cancellation policy, which allows free cancellation up to 20 days before arrival, is partly to thank for this.

However, some cancellations have started to appear for the Easter period, which coincides with both Catholic and Orthodox Easter. Experts predict that a clearer picture of bookings will emerge by the end of February.

Ongoing works at Santorini Airport

During this period of uncertainty, Santorini’s airport, managed by Fraport Greece, has successfully handled over 6,000 passengers from Feb. 3 to 14.

Santorini’s airport, located 40 meters above sea level, has seen major infrastructure upgrades over recent years, including a new passenger terminal and expanded gate and control facilities. Fraport Greece has emphasized that, despite the seismic activity, there has been no damage to the infrastructure thus far.

The airport management is also working closely with civil defense, local authorities, and air traffic controllers to ensure smooth operations and address any emergency situations swiftly.