Ongoing seismic events in the Cyclades are beginning to impact tourism on Santorini. The Viking Star ship, originally scheduled to inaugurate the season in this Aegean destination, will now alter its course and call at Port Chania (Crete) on February 10th, rather than docking at the Santorini Caldera.
Santorini, a destination renowned worldwide yet home to only 15,000–20,000 residents, welcomed 3.4 million visitors in 2023 via air, ferry, and cruise. The island’s economic viability is closely tied to its tourism, with cruise arrivals playing a significant role. However, even if seismic activity were to subside, the recently announced landslide protection measures - resulting in the closure of the ports of Ammoudi, Armeni, Korfos, and the Old Port of Firam - will necessitate careful management of docking locations by both cruise lines and the port authority. To some degree, the continued operation of the port of Athinios offers a mitigating factor.
A prevailing concern within the industry is whether the tourism market will fully reopen for Easter, particularly as this period is significant for both Catholic and Orthodox travelers. Should the seismic tremors persist, there is a risk that the island may forgo its Easter tourism season, with subsequent implications for domestic travel during Carnival, Clean Monday, and the national holiday on March 25th.
Despite the challenges, industry observers note that well-established destinations tend to rebound once adverse conditions stabilize - a recovery seen in Rhodes following last year’s wildfires. At this stage, no cancellations have been reported by airlines, cruise operators, or other key stakeholders. Ultimately, the success of the season will depend on the progression of the seismic activity and the effectiveness of the implemented protective measures.