In a twist that’s less “Mamma Mia!” and more seismic sorrows, the beloved Greek islands, particularly Santorini, have found themselves on shaky ground—quite literally. A series of earthquakes in the Aegean Sea has left holidaymakers reevaluating their sun-drenched dreams and exploring alternatives. The usual allure of whitewashed towns and turquoise waters has been overshadowed by tremors sending buildings and tourism-dependent businesses into an existential crisis.
For places like Santorini and Amorgos, whose bread and butter are summer tourism, the aftershocks of these quakes spread far beyond geology. Safety concerns have precipitated waves of cancellation bookings, as tourists in a panic changed to other holiday destinations. Türkiye, it seems, is taking in these vacation refugees with open arms.
Türkiye’s Beaches: The New Go-To
Iconic destinations in Türkiye have always seen pre-bookings grow, an unequivocal shift in the trend of tourism. Vice president of Turkish Hoteliers’ Federation (TÜROFED), Mehmet Işler, estimates more and more tourists are looking to Bodrum, Antalya, and Muğla, among others. Santorini’s bad luck appears to be driving the tourism boom in Türkiye.
Işler didn’t mince words when explaining the shift: fear is the defining factor. “The earthquakes, especially on Santorini, have disrupted tourist interest. Many are now looking at Türkiye’s coastline—Bodrum, Muğla, and even Çeşme—as safer, equally beautiful alternatives,” he noted in an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA).
Interestingly, places like Izmir’s Çeşme are emerging from Türkiye’s shadowy “hidden gems” category and stepping into the spotlight. With its blend of beaches, history, and festivals, Çeşme is increasingly being marketed as every bit the rival to its Greek neighbors. Feeling ambitious, Işler suggested that investment in tourism marketing at fairs could push Çeşme even further into the global spotlight.
Shifting Tourists and Opportunities
The head of the Çeşme Association of Tourism Hoteliers and Operators, Orhan Belge, has seen the tide turning firsthand. He says Greece’s early reservation patterns are floundering while Türkiye’s are thriving. It’s not just about proximity or similar climates anymore—it’s also about perception. He pointed out that Turkish resorts are gaining traction from Greek island vacationers and tourists previously unfamiliar with Türkiye.
“The increase in early reservations shows that tourists are shifting from Greece to us,” he remarked.
The influx is hitting all the right holiday spots. Fethiye, Marmaris, and Antalya are seeing a surge in demand from tourists deprived of sunshine holidays unmarred by earthquakes. For struggling resort owners in Türkiye, this unexpected boom isn’t just damage limitation—it’s a potential goldmine.
When Geography Disrupts Geography
No one’s gloating—at least not publicly—over Greece’s literal ground-shaking woes. “Of course, nobody wants disasters like this,” Işler told Anadolu Agency (AA) with the kind of tone usually reserved for offering condolences at funerals. However, he didn’t hold back when dissecting the advantages it brings to his side of the Aegean. “We now have a rising market of new visitors who can experience Türkiye for the first time. If we deliver high service quality, this could solidify long-term tourism gains.”
Belge, on the other hand, leaned into optimism for Çeşme’s growing reputation. After less stellar tourist flow in recent years, the region aims to bounce back and surpass expectations. “We have it all,” he declared emphatically. “This will be a solid year for Çeşme.” Whether this confidence stems from actual data or a well-honed ability to spin a narrative remains to be seen.
While the Greek islands recalibrate after tectonic disruptions, Türkiye seems basking in an unintended spotlight. From the shores of İzmir to the sands of Antalya, the tremors may have been literal across the sea, but the aftershocks for tourism are being felt everywhere.
