Greek Tourism Ministry Monitors Santorini Situation as Seismic Activity Continues

The Greek Tourism Ministry is actively monitoring the situation of seismic activity οn Santorini and preparing crisis management plans based on the evolving natural phenomenon, according to Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni.

On Tuesday, Kefalogianni chaired a meeting at the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) to assess the situation and discuss response measures. The goal is to ensure that international markets are promptly informed should the situation in Santorini require further attention.

Key attendees of the meeting included Vasiliki Koutsoukou, secretary general of the Tourism Ministry; Andreas Fiorentinos, secretary general of the GNTO; Konstantinos Zikos, vice president of the GNTO; Alexandros Vassilikos, president of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels; and Angela Varela, Director of the GNTO’s international branches.

European markets showing no signs of cancellations

During the meeting, it was noted that there have been no cancellations from European markets regarding early bookings on Santorini.

According to the GNTO and the tourism ministry, representatives from Scandinavian, British, and German markets have indicated that while travel agents and tour operators are monitoring developments, no cancellations have been reported.

It is important to note that this period is typically a slower time for tourism on the Greek islands, so any potential losses resulting from the ongoing seismic activity are expected to be minimal.

Currently, only a small percentage (5-10 percent) of hotels on Santorini are open, as it is considered the off-peak season for tourism on the island.

As seismic activity continues to affect the volcanic island of Santorini, the island’s municipal authority recently updated precautionary measures announced for residents and visitors.