Santorini Hotel Reservations Down 20%

• Tourism businesses in Santorini rush to recover lost ground as conditions stabilize.
• Minimal disruptions to cruise schedules were reported, though some operators remain cautious.
• Santorini hotel reservations are down by over 20% compared to last year.
• Local authorities and industry stakeholders are focusing on promotional efforts to rebuild demand.

Santorini’s tourism sector has switched into overdrive, trying to make up for lost time and revenue. The upheaval caused by the swarm of earthquakes in the Cyclades seems to be calming down, bringing back a sense of normalcy to the island. However, challenges remain, especially regarding the island’s hotel reservations, which have taken a hit recently.

Giorgos Nomikos, head of the Thira Port Authority, told OT that cruise companies have not officially cancelled their future stops on the island. Sure, February voyages were scratched off the list as ports were closed for safety measures, but business as usual will resume starting March 22. And for those worried about overcrowding at the port, the “birth allocation” system is still in place, limiting daily visitor numbers to a maximum of 8,000, with rare exceptions reaching 9,000.

Despite these safeguards, many cruise operators seem to be taking a “wait and see” approach—hedging their bets until the picture becomes clearer.

Santorini Hotel Reservations in Free Fall: What’s Behind the Drop?

While the port situation is relatively stable, the same can’t be said for Santorini hotel reservations. Antoni Pagoni, president of the Santorini Hoteliers Association, paints a less-than-rosy picture. Speaking from the ITB Berlin trade fair, Pagoni noted that bookings are currently down more than 20% compared to the same time last year. The slump is most pronounced for April and May, a crucial window for spring travel.

Pagoni and his team and the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) are pulling out all the stops with a flurry of promotional activities. Their goal? To revive Santorini’s image, reassure travellers, and plug this growing hole in bookings. He remains optimistic, saying that as long as any new disruptions do not hit the island, things could start looking up by early April. “Let’s not kid ourselves—closing this gap won’t be easy, but we’re giving it our all,” he said.

Cruise Tax: A Practical Solution or Another Headache?

Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over the so-called cruise tax, which has been temporarily frozen due to recent upheavals. Rumour has it the government might thaw it out sooner rather than later. The reasoning? The island needs funds for some much-needed infrastructure projects, and the cruise industry is seen as a logical partner to chip in. Whether this move will face pushback—or help the island recover faster—remains to be seen.

Santorini may be down, but it’s not out yet. Local businesses are banking on the return of smooth seas and sunny days to reclaim their lost momentum. Will they turn things around in time, or will 2025 be another uphill battle?