Bookings for holidays in Santorini have dropped by 23% in early March compared to the same period in 2024, signaling a potential slowdown for the island’s summer tourism season. Similarly, airline seat reservations for flights to the popular Cycladic island are also down by approximately 9%, according to reports from both domestic and international tourism organizations shared with Kathimerini.
The decrease in bookings is largely attributed to recent seismic activity in the surrounding maritime area, including earthquakes that have affected the region over the past few weeks. While experts in tourism economics characterize the impact as limited, particularly in comparison to earlier concerns, they caution that further escalation of seismic events could worsen the situation. If conditions stabilize, however, these disruptions are expected to diminish in the coming months, with the optimistic scenario currently prevailing.
This decline is concerning given the high levels of tourism Santorini experienced over the last two years. With prices on the island remaining steady this year, industry professionals are closely monitoring the situation. More clarity is expected in the coming weeks as travel agencies finalize their bookings and advance payments to local hoteliers are made.
In response to the current challenges, Santorini’s local government, the South Aegean Regional Authority, and the Ministry of Tourism are prepared to initiate an international promotional campaign to boost bookings when deemed appropriate.
Despite the setbacks, Santorini’s presence at the ITB Berlin 2025 international tourism fair has not seen significant concern, with major travel agencies continuing to report strong demand for Greek holidays overall.
Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni reassured the public at the ITB fair, stating, “Latest data show seismic activity in the region of Santorini has noticeably dropped, and life on the island is returning to normalcy, closely following scientists’ guidance and directions.”
However, safety measures related to the earthquakes are expected to affect access to certain areas of the island. A new joint ministerial decision will temporarily restrict access to the island’s cable car and other high-risk locations, such as Ammoudi and parts of Thirasia, where landslide risks have increased. A study on these risks has already been completed, but it will take time for necessary works to be carried out, even under expedited procedures.
In 2024, Santorini welcomed 1.54 million international visitors, marking a modest 1.8% increase from the previous year. According to the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels, the island is home to 336 hotels, including 74 five-star, 99 four-star, 93 three-star, and 70 one- and two-star establishments.
As Santorini’s tourism season progresses, industry stakeholders are cautiously optimistic that the situation will stabilize, with continued demand expected for Greece as a whole.
