In a season marked by uncertainties, Greece’s cosmopolitan island of Santorini has emerged as a prime destination for tourists, with officials firmly assuring the world of its readiness to welcome travelers. Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, during her recent visit to London, extended a message of optimism to international media, reinforcing that not only is Santorini safe, but its infrastructure functions without any disruption. Her comments echoed a resounding confidence in the region’s appeal, especially following a challenging winter season marked by seismic activity.
“Santorini and the neighboring islands are safe, and the infrastructure functions normally. Visitors should feel confident they can visit them,” Minister Kefalogianni stated, having recently observed the island's conditions firsthand. She elaborated that amid early February’s seismic challenges, the government acted swiftly to ensure public safety, thus earning the support of scientists who have now deemed it safe for both residents and tourists to return.
Bringing her message to life, Kefalogianni remarked, “I can tell you that the island remains unique and attractive,” reaffirming the allure that has enticed millions over the years. The announcement comes as the first cruise ship of the season docked in Santorini on March 23, bringing 1,170 mostly American tourists. This marks a hopeful beginning to the 2025 tourism season, with approximately 35 cruise ships expected to follow suit in April.
Despite prior concerns stemming from more than 20,000 earthquakes recorded between January 26 and February 22 of this year, officials announced that inspections confirmed the safety of public buildings, thus paving the way for the restoration of normalcy on the island. The earthquake swarm wreaked havoc on the lives of residents and prompted a state of emergency not only on Santorini but also its neighboring islands of Amorgos and Anafi.
Notably, Antonis Pagonis, president of the Santorini Hoteliers Association, shed light on the misinformation that has plagued the island amid these trying times. “Santorini has been mercilessly hit with targeted fake news for many days. This is truly outrageous,” he stated. Pagonis emphasized the importance of relying on credible sources amidst the chaos, referring to outdated reports—like a CNN video from February 5 that falsely presented the island as being closed.
The relentless spread of misinformation led the Santorini Hoteliers Association to take drastic measures, issuing extrajudicial notices against those responsible for such claims. “The same will be done by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the Tourism Ministry, and the Municipality of Thira,” Pagonis added. In a bid to mitigate the damage caused by false reports, the association reassured both tourists and stakeholders that Santorini was operating at 100 percent capacity.
“Everything is open, and all the swimming pools are full!” Pagonis declared emphatically, dispelling the myths that threaten the island’s reputation. Minister Kefalogianni further highlighted Greece’s sustainable tourism strategy, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and satisfaction of visitors. The success of extending the tourism season into the shoulder months, particularly with record visitor numbers reported for October and November 2024, exemplified this commitment.
The tourism minister also pointed towards innovative measures like the recent launch of the “mAiGreece” mobile app, designed to enhance guests’ experiences through personalized, AI-driven services. “We’ve significantly upgraded Greece’s digital presence with tools that promote various forms of tourism—from marine and wellness to gastronomic adventures,” she stated.
The optimism surrounding Santorini’s tourism resurgence is palpable as stakeholders brace for a rebound in visitor numbers. Last year, the Greek tourism sector saw 7.9 million cruise passengers, with 1.3 million opting for the renowned island of Santorini. Such a strong interest buoyed hopes of a busy season, further intensified by predictions of a 10 percent increase in bookings for the year ahead.
As residents and entrepreneurs prepare for the onslaught of visitors, hoteliers like Markos Chaidemenos, owner of Canaves Collection, noted increased interest from travelers, stating, “Now that confidence is rebounding quickly, we’re seeing more bookings coming in. People want to travel to the island for the iconic sunsets and world-class hospitality.”
While the seismic activity paused and safety measures remain tightly monitored, Santorini continues to welcome travelers with open arms, illustrating resilience amidst crises. Evi Nomikou, an oceanographer studying the nearby Kolumbo volcano, expressed confidence in the geological stability, stating that the seismic events were purely tectonic. “We don’t believe the volcano will erupt, let me say that in capital letters. But this is a very active volcano that needs to be monitored,” Nomikou asserted.
As summer approaches, Santorini is prepared to embrace a diverse array of tourists, despite past challenges. In the realm of tourism, the island remains steadfast in its reputation for stunning scenery, rich culture, and vibrant hospitality. With the messages of safety and optimism being conveyed across multiple platforms, visitors old and new can look forward to experiencing the unique charm that Santorini has to offer—ready and waiting for the world to return.
In summary, Kefalogianni concluded that despite the tremors experienced earlier this year, the island is returning to its glorious state. “Santorini remains a safe and well-organized destination, ready to welcome visitors from around the world,” she affirmed, casting a hopeful gaze towards a flourishing tourist season.
