Santorini reservations drop by 23%, donkeys are used for reconstruction and the Greek Ministry of Tourism assures that Santorini will be open to visitors this summer as in previous years.
New Cancellations of Cruise Ship Arrivals in Santorini
Recent reports indicate that holiday bookings for Santorini have decreased by 23% at the beginning of March compared to the same time last year.
Additionally, the scheduling of airline seats for trips to the island is around 9% lower than it was during this period in 2024.
This decline in bookings is a result of recent natural events, including seismic activity in the surrounding maritime area.
While the impact is felt, tourism economists suggest that the situation may not be as severe as initially feared.
If conditions do not worsen and seismic activities subside, it is believed that the negative effects could diminish significantly in the upcoming months.
This outlook presents a more optimistic scenario at present.
Nevertheless, any escalation in seismic activity could lead to even greater losses in bookings.
Experts highlight this as a concerning development, especially given that this year’s context follows two previous years of exceptionally high overnight stays in Santorini.
Moreover, hotel prices on the island have not seen a decrease this year, further complicating matters.
More detailed information is expected to emerge in the coming weeks when travel agencies typically make advance payments to hoteliers and finalise flight schedules.
In light of these challenges, both the Municipality of Santorini and the South Aegean Region, alongside the Ministry of Tourism and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO), are prepared to launch a new international promotional campaign when deemed appropriate.
During the recent international tourism fair in Berlin, ITB, this situation did not attract significant attention, while major travel agencies continue to report strong demand for holidays in Greece.
Access to various locations in Santorini is expected to be restricted this year for safety reasons, affecting how tourists explore the island and potentially altering the overall holiday experience.
Last year, 1.54 million people arrived at Santorini Airport from abroad, 1.8% more than the previous year.
According to the latest data from the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, there are 336 hotels on the island, 74 of which are in the five-star category, 99 in the four-star category, 93 in the three-star category and 70 in the two- and one-star categories.
Celestyal announced the cancellation of all Celestyal Discovery cruise ship arrivals for March and April only. The ship will leave Heraklion at 18:00 instead of 12:00 with destination Lavrio.
Miray replaced Santorini with Syros for the same months.
Viking Star will visit Mykonos and Nafplio on 11 and 15 March respectively and has to cancel two more arrivals on Santorini.
Finally, Selectum Blu Cruises replaced Santorini with Patmos in the 4-day programme.
Donkeys Carrying Marble Slabs for Construction on Santorini
Recent images from Santorini have sparked outrage as the island’s famous donkeys are seen loaded with construction materials.
As the tourist season approaches, repair and restoration work has commenced on the island, requiring significant resources.
The donkeys appear to be utilised to transport marble slabs for a new accommodation building being constructed near the caldera area.
This practice raises concerns about the welfare of the animals involved.
The donkeys, typically associated with leisurely rides for tourists, are now bearing heavy loads that could potentially harm them.
Many advocates for animal rights argue that this is exploitation and that alternative methods should be considered for transporting materials.
Key Concerns:
- Animal Welfare: The physical strain from carrying heavy items like marble slabs can lead to injuries. Issues such as spinal damage or exhaustion are common when animals are overburdened.
- Tourist Expectations: Visitors often associate donkeys with picturesque experiences rather than seeing them as working animals. This shift in purpose may not align with the expectations of tourists looking for a humane experience.
- Local Practices: The use of donkeys for heavy lifting in construction is a longstanding tradition in some regions. Yet, this method faces increasing scrutiny in light of animal rights discussions.
Some argue for a reevaluation of how these animals are used within the tourism industry, pushing for better practices that honour the health and safety of the donkeys.
Many believe that education around animal welfare could alter the perception of using donkeys in such demanding ways.
As the situation develops, there is ongoing discussion about the balance between tourist needs and animal rights.
Communities like those on Santorini face the challenge of preserving their traditions while ensuring that the welfare of animals is not compromised.
More humane methods may need to be explored to avoid placing undue burden on these iconic creatures.
For further details on the outrage surrounding these practices, refer to the coverage of the issue involving the overloaded donkeys.
Santorini Ready to Welcome Tourists
Following recent earthquakes, schools on the picturesque island of Santorini have reopened, marking a return to normalcy for the community.
The Greek Minister of Tourism assured that Santorini will be open to visitors this summer, just as in previous years.
This positive outlook comes despite the seismic activity that has affected the region.
Schools on Santorini, along with those on the nearby islands of Anafi, Ios, and Amorgos, resumed classes on 4 March, after weeks of closure.
The reopening took place in the context of minor, ongoing tremors that experts confirm are now diminishing.
The earthquake activity began in late January and persisted for nearly a month, creating a significant concern for safety among local residents.
Assessments of public infrastructure have concluded that buildings withstand the tremors and are safe for use.
Authorities have put in place enhanced safety measures, which will remain active as a precautionary step.
Experts from the Interdisciplinary Committee for Risk and Crisis Management noted a continuous reduction in both the frequency and intensity of seismic events in recent weeks.
Previously, there were reports of over 20,000 minor earthquakes recorded between late January and February, often occurring within minutes of each other.
These tremors were attributed to natural geological processes due to tectonic movement and magma shifts beneath the sea.
Following the intense seismic activity, a state of emergency was declared on Santorini and surrounding areas in early February, prompting many residents to evacuate temporarily.
Olga Kefalogianni, the Greek Minister of Tourism, conveyed optimistic sentiments while participating in an international tourism fair in Berlin.
She reassured the public that Santorini will maintain its reputation as a top tourist destination.
“Safety must come first,” she stated, adding that necessary safety measures would be implemented if deemed essential.
Tourists are encouraged to visit this beautiful island, famous for its stunning volcanic caldera.
Santorini forms part of a volcanic archipelago known for its underwater geological activity.
The island has not experienced significant volcanic eruptions for approximately 400 years, with the last notable event occurring in 1650.
This eruption resulted in tragic loss of life and massive tsunamis.
Recent geological studies are being conducted to further explore Santorini’s volcanic systems.
The “HYDROMOX” project, supported by the British government, aims to enhance understanding of the island’s underwater volcanic hazards.
The tourism community remains hopeful that visitors will return in numbers, enjoying the unique beauty and rich history that make Santorini a beloved destination.
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 factors have led to the 23% decline in reservations for Santorini?
Various elements have contributed to the notable decrease in bookings for Santorini.
One significant factor is the recent seismic activity in the region, which has raised concerns among potential visitors.
Additionally, changing travel trends and heightened awareness of safety issues can influence people’s decisions on where to vacation.
Economic factors, including inflation and travel costs, may also play a role.
Are there specific times when the decline in bookings for Santorini has been more pronounced?
The drop in reservations for Santorini appears to be more prominent at the start of the booking season, particularly in early March.
This period is typically when tourists begin planning their summer holidays, making the recent decline even more noteworthy.
Has the decline in bookings to Santorini impacted certain accommodation types more than others?
Yes, specific types of accommodations may have been affected differently.
Luxury hotels and high-end resorts might feel a greater impact due to the expectation of higher occupancy rates.
In contrast, budget options could see a steadier flow of visitors, as they may attract those more price-sensitive travellers.
What actions are being taken to counteract the fall in tourist reservations in Santorini?
Local tourism authorities and businesses are implementing strategies to mitigate the effects of declining bookings.
These may include promotional campaigns highlighting the island’s attractions, enhanced safety measures, and discounts to encourage early bookings.
Collaborations with travel agencies could also help boost visibility and attract more visitors.
How is Santorini’s local economy reacting to the reduced number of tourist reservations?
The local economy is experiencing challenges due to the decreased tourist influx.
Many businesses that rely heavily on tourism are feeling the strain and may need to adjust their operations.
These adjustments can include cost-cutting measures or diversifying services to attract visitors, even in reduced numbers.
What predictions can be made regarding future travel patterns to Santorini based on current booking trends?
Future travel patterns to Santorini could reflect a cautious approach from travellers.
If the concerns regarding safety and economic factors persist, potential visitors may continue to delay their plans.
However, a rebound could occur if conditions improve, along with effective marketing strategies that reassure tourists about safety and value.
