Booking freeze and cancellations for Santorini, in the kingdom of tourists and unlawful constructions.
Booking freeze and cancellations for Santorini
The tourism professionals in Santorini, Amorgos, and other Cycladic islands are looking forward to a recovery as the situation surrounding recent seismic activities stabilises.
They anticipate that the state of emergency may end in early March, which could positively impact travel to these regions.
Currently, Santorini’s hotel operators report a significant decline in bookings, with about a 15% drop from tour operators and over 50% from individual tourists who arrange their travels online.
As many visitors from Asia, the USA, and Australia tend to travel independently or book via the internet, concerns about the upcoming tourist season are understandably rising among stakeholders in the local tourism industry.
Freezing of Bookings and Cancellations up to 50%
The tourism sector in Santorini is experiencing significant challenges as bookings have dropped sharply.
The local hotel owners report that while there have not been many cancellations from guests who had already reserved their summer holidays, many are opting to wait.
Tourists can cancel their reservations without penalties up to 20 days before their arrival, which has resulted in a cautious approach to finalising plans.
Many visitors travelling from the United States typically explore both Santorini and other destinations such as Athens and Mykonos. A decline in tourist numbers to Santorini could have a ripple effect, impacting these other popular locations as well.
A major factor contributing to the current situation is the decline in cruise ship schedules that visit Santorini.
With cruise routes beginning to resume and expected to intensify over the coming months, the island stands to lose a vital part of its tourism income.
Reports indicate that cancellations for short-term rentals, including those on platforms like Airbnb, exceed 50%. This sharply affects the local economy, especially for those relying on these platforms for income.
Despite these difficulties, Santorini’s hotel operators are planning to open their establishments normally for the upcoming Easter season.
They have expressed a need for governmental support, particularly concerning employees. They argue that any assistance should extend to all hotels that are set to open in the following months and not just those currently in operation.
The hotel workforce in Santorini is highly trained and experienced, with approximately 25,000 individuals employed in the sector.
Their expertise serves as an attractive incentive for employers in other regions of the country to recruit them.
Additionally, the Santorini Hoteliers Association has called upon the government to consider the long-term effects of seismic activity in the area.
If such activity continues for an extended period, there will be an urgent need for support for hotel and other local tourism businesses.
Suggested measures include freezing insurance and tax obligations, along with the suspension of loan repayments, to alleviate the strain on these establishments during tough times.
Situation at Amorgos
In Amorgos, hotel representatives have reported a concerning trend regarding summer bookings.
Recently, the first cancellations for the upcoming season were recorded. Although these cancellations were sparse, there has been a noticeable lack of new bookings, raising alarms among local hoteliers.
Many loyal clients are adopting a wait-and-see approach, choosing not to cancel their existing reservations just yet.
The local hoteliers are particularly anxious about the Easter period.
Most accommodations on the island are small, family-run establishments with a total capacity of around 1,000 beds.
There is apprehension that these venues may open without the expected influx of Greek tourists. Instead, hopes are pinned on attracting international visitors who might contribute to the island’s summer season.
Tourism Trends
The island’s tourism has historically relied on a healthy flow of visitors during peak months.
However, the recent cancellations could signal a shift that may affect the local economy.
As hoteliers adjust their strategies, there is hope that international tourism can fill the gap left by the uncertainty surrounding local travel.
Despite these challenges, the beauty and authenticity of Amorgos remain strong selling points.
The island is known for its stunning landscapes, tranquil beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
Hoteliers are focusing on promoting these unique aspects to attract visitors who may seek a less conventional holiday experience.
The Accommodation Landscape
The accommodations on Amorgos predominantly consist of small family-run hotels and guesthouses.
This type of lodging not only provides a more personalised touch for guests but also supports the local economy.
With a combined total of around 1,000 beds available, there is potential for a warm and welcoming atmosphere for those who choose to visit.
At present, the hotels are preparing to open for the Easter season with the hope of a favourable outcome.
The management teams are actively diversifying their marketing approaches, aiming to entice both local and foreign tourists.
Special offers and packages are being developed to increase appeal, particularly to those who may be hesitant due to current conditions.
Visitor Experience
Guests visiting Amorgos can look forward to an array of activities that highlight the island’s charm. Popular attractions include:
- St. John’s Monastery: A must-visit, this stunning monastery is perched on a cliff and offers breathtaking views of the sea.
- Chora Village: Known for its traditional architecture, narrow streets, and local shops, Chora provides a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage.
- Beaches: Amorgos is home to numerous beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the sun. Visitors often cite the serene environment as a highlight of their trip.
Looking Forward
The future of tourism in Amorgos depends on the evolving situation surrounding travel restrictions and customer confidence.
While there are concerns about the current state of bookings, the island’s commitment to preserving its unique identity and charm remains unwavering.
Hoteliers and businesses are prepared to adapt, demonstrating resilience in their efforts to attract visitors.
By showcasing the island’s distinctive features, including beautiful landscapes and cultural attractions, there is optimism that Amorgos can recover and thrive despite the recent challenges.
The kingdom of tourists and illegal buildings
Santorini has faced significant challenges with unlawful construction activities. Since 2020, there have been numerous reports of illegal building work on the island, with only a handful of inspections carried out.
This situation raises concerns about an impending statute of limitations that may affect the ability to prosecute these cases.
According to investigations, approximately 50,000 square metres of unauthorised buildings have been constructed in Imerovigli, the island’s most densely populated area.
Given that the island draws over 3 million visitors each year, this issue highlights a broader problem of compliance with building regulations.
Reports indicate that the Naxos Court of First Instance Prosecutor’s Office has been consistently addressing these violations, emphasizing the urgency of site inspections across several islands, including Thira and Ios.
The document from the Prosecutor’s Office points out numerous pending orders for inspections related to illegal constructions. Many of these projects involve constructions without the necessary permits, work that lacks approval from the Archaeological Service, and alterations that exceed legal building requirements.
Despite repeated reminders from the police to address these cases, they remain largely unresolved.
A worrying trend has been observed where illegal activities are often disguised under the guise of “retaining wall projects.” This workaround allows individuals to circumvent regulations and potentially evade scrutiny while expanding their properties, particularly in sensitive areas like the Caldera.
Most of these infractions escalated during 2020 and 2021, yet no action has been taken.
The lack of action stems partly from administrative challenges faced by the Thira Urban Planning Department.
With a limited staff of only six individuals, the department struggles to keep up with the volume of cases requiring attention.
An official response to the Naxos Prosecutor’s Office acknowledged the severity of the backlog but attributed the delays to the overwhelming workload.
Despite the acknowledgment of the situation, an alarmingly low number of inspections have been completed.
The department head highlighted their need for immediate staffing improvements to manage the numerous responsibilities, which include overseeing building permits, conducting inspections of structures in disrepair, and preparing reports for legal entities.
The current personnel levels have made it difficult to address the hundreds of pending cases from past years.
In one illustrative case, a local resident observed ongoing construction in the Caldera area that was not permitted.
Upon reporting the incident, authorities found that what was presented as a simple “retaining wall project” was actually a significant expansion of living space.
Such examples underscore the desperate situation regarding enforcement of building regulations amidst the pressures of tourism.
The Naxos Prosecutor’s Office has urged for immediate action to complete inspections for illegal construction projects.
They directed the Thira Urban Planning Department to prioritise these site inspections, particularly for constructions established in the early months of 2020.
The document stresses that inspections should be carried out promptly, especially in locations where access is not restricted.
Recently, a notable case emerged involving a business operating near protected archaeological sites in Perissa.
Despite being in violation of local regulations, the establishment expanded its premises illegally, leading to significant aesthetic damage to ancient structures.
Although the Naxos Prosecutor’s Office intervened, sealing the business, the owner successfully contested the decision in court.
However, the Aegean Decentralised Administration later intervened by rejecting the appeal, declaring the original operating license illegal due to noncompliance with existing regulations.
This case serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle between development and the preservation of archaeological heritage on the island.
As Santorini remains a major tourist destination, the balance between accommodating visitors and enforcing regulations becomes increasingly tenuous.
With illegal constructions threatening the island’s natural and historical charm, many local authorities and residents are calling for firm action.
A significant concern is that time may run out to rectify these violations if prompt measures are not taken.
The pressures of mass tourism have undoubtedly contributed to a culture where regulations are frequently overlooked.
Property owners eager to capitalise on the influx of visitors often attempt to cut corners in order to expand their businesses.
This has led to a pervasive atmosphere where illegal constructions proliferate unchecked.
The Thira Urban Planning Department has repeatedly sought staffing increases to manage the ongoing crisis effectively.
Their responsibilities entail not only monitoring illegal constructions but also ensuring public safety and preserving the island’s unique character.
Yet, without adequate resources, these vital tasks remain challenging.
Authorities are now emphasising the need for cooperation among various regional and local bodies to streamline the inspection process and enforce compliance.
By addressing the current staffing shortages and enhancing coordination, there is potential for progress in regulating constructions across the island.
The ongoing failure to conduct thorough inspections presents a considerable risk.
As more time passes, opportunities to take legal action against illegal constructions may diminish.
This situation demands immediate attention to protect Santorini’s heritage, environment, and future as a tourist destination.
In light of these challenges, the dialogue between preservation and development will be pivotal moving forward.
Balancing the desire for economic growth with the need for regulatory compliance remains an unresolved issue.
Hence, stakeholders, including government authorities, must reassess their strategies to ensure both sustainable development and the protection of Santorini’s unique environment.
A strategic approach toward enforcement of existing building regulations is essential.
By fostering a collaborative effort, authorities can leverage public awareness and encourage compliance among property owners.
This will not only safeguard the island’s historical and cultural treasures but also enhance the overall tourist experience.
This push for improvement hinges upon recognizing that unchecked expansion can ultimately harm the very tourism that drives the local economy.
With proper oversight, Santorini can continue to thrive as a preferred destination while preserving its rich heritage for future generations.
Further safety regulations for Santorini
On Santorini, the granting of building permits has been temporarily suspended.
There are also traffic restrictions, school closures and restricted access to certain areas.
As previously reported, two new evacuation harbours are to be set up in the event of an emergency.
However, the first harbour will not be ready for another ten months.
The most important quakes of the week near Santorini
– An earthquake measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale occurred at 00:12 on Thursday (27/02) with an epicentre 26 km away. Northeast of Oia and a focal depth of 14.1 kilometres.
– An earthquake measuring 3.2 on the Richter scale occurred on Wednesday (26/02) at 21:43 with an epicentre 11 km away. SSE of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal depth 10.5 kilometres.
– An earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale occurred at 21:36 on Wednesday (26/02) with an epicentre 16 km away. SSE of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal depth 14 kilometres.
– An earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale occurred at 14:02 on Wednesday (26/02) with an epicentre 13 km away. SSE of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal depth 10.5 kilometres.
– A magnitude 3.0 earthquake occurred on Wednesday (26.2.) at 03:12 with an epicentre 17 km away. SW of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal depth 10 kilometres
– An earthquake measuring 3.2 on the Richter scale occurred on Tuesday evening (25.2.) at 22:29 with an epicentre 16 km away. S of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal distance 5 kilometres
– A magnitude 3.0 earthquake occurred on Tuesday afternoon (25.2.) at 15:40 with an epicentre 25 km away. SW of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal length 5 kilometres
– An earthquake measuring 3.1 on the Richter scale occurred at 14:26 on Tuesday afternoon (25.2.) with an epicentre 35 km away. S of Anafi and a focal distance of 5.8 kilometres
– An earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale occurred at 12:45 on Tuesday afternoon (25.2.) with an epicentre 14 km away. SW of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal distance 11.6 kilometres
– An earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale occurred on Tuesday morning (25.2.) at 11:21 with an epicentre 25 km away. SSE of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal distance 5 kilometres
– An earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning (25.2.) at 02:24 with an epicentre 16 km away. SSE of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal distance 19.6 kilometres
– Earthquake of magnitude 3.3 on the Richter scale, occurred on Monday (24.2.) at 18:58, epicentre: 18 km. SSE of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal distance 5 kilometres
– Earthquake measuring 3.1 on the Richter scale, occurred on Monday (24.2.) at 16.03, epicentre 25 km away. SW of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal distance 13.3 kilometres
– Earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale , occurred on Monday (24.2.) at 13.33, epicentre: 15 km. SW of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal depth 17.39 kilometres
– An earthquake measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale occurred on Monday (24.2.) at 13:18 with an epicentre 15 km away. SW of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal distance 10.9 kilometres
– An earthquake measuring 3.5 on the Richter scale occurred on Monday (24.2.) at 12:35 with an epicentre at a distance of 20 km. SSE of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal distance 12 kilometres
– An earthquake measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale occurred at 02:41 on Monday (24/02) with an epicentre 14 km away. SSE of Arkesini, Amorgos and focal distance 12.8 kilometres
Frequently Asked Questions
Earthquakes Updates in the Aegean
Recent earthquakes in the Aegean
Advice for Tourists During an Earthquake in Santorini
Tourists are advised to stay calm and seek open spaces if outside, or take cover under sturdy furniture indoors during an earthquake.
Following instructions from local authorities and emergency services is crucial for safety.
Information from the Greek Civil Protection for earthquakes (in English)
What are the available hotel booking options in Santorini with discounts up to 50%?
In Santorini, travellers can find a variety of hotels offering deals that can reach up to 50% off.
Many booking platforms, including direct hotel websites, provide these discounts, especially during promotional periods. Clients are encouraged to compare multiple sources to secure the best rates.
How can one cancel a hotel reservation in Santorini without facing high penalties?
To cancel a hotel booking in Santorini while minimising penalties, guests should review the hotel’s cancellation policy carefully.
Most hotels offer flexible booking options that allow for free cancellations if done within a specified timeframe.
It is advisable for guests to contact the hotel directly to discuss any potential fees for last-minute cancellations.
Are there any incentives for early hotel bookings in Santorini?
Yes, many hotels in Santorini offer special incentives for guests who book their stays well in advance.
These could include reduced rates, complimentary meals, or upgrades to better rooms. Early booking can be particularly beneficial during the peak tourist seasons.
What is the optimal time to book a hotel in Santorini to receive considerable discounts?
Guests should aim to book their hotels in Santorini during the shoulder seasons, which typically fall in late spring or early autumn.
During these times, hotels often reduce prices to attract visitors, leading to more significant savings.
Which hotels in Santorini provide notable discounts for travel during the off-peak season?
Several hotels in Santorini offer attractive rates during the off-peak season.
These hotels may advertise lower prices through various channels and often provide packages that include additional perks, making them appealing options for budget-conscious travellers.
Is it possible to alter a hotel reservation in Santorini if a discounted rate has been secured?
Modifying a reservation that includes a discounted rate can depend on the specific hotel’s policies.
Many establishments allow changes, but it is crucial for guests to confirm any potential impacts on the original booking terms. This will help avoid losing the discount or incurring extra charges.
