Santorini is regaining its pace, continuing to stand out as a safe, welcoming destination. During her speech at the Year of Promoting and Supporting Authenticity—Santorini 2025 event—an effort by the Municipality of Thira with backing from the Ministry of Tourism—Greece’s Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, expressed this hopeful view:
“Santorini is returning to normality. It remains a safe and hospitable destination and with proper management, we are moving forward for another dynamic tourist year.”
Santorini’s Global Appeal
Olga Kefalogianni highlighted Santorini’s unshakable status as a globally recognized destination. Known for its stunning beauty, rich cultural legacy, and friendly hospitality, the island reflects Greece’s gift to the world’s most popular travel locations.
Earlier this year, the Minister admitted Santorini’s difficulties but promised that suitable preventive measures were implemented due to strong cooperation among local authorities, scientists, and the government:
“Our policy is guided by the rule of balance and moderation. It is our strategic choice to promote a governance model in which the central government, local government and the private sector will cooperate.”
These initiatives guarantee ongoing monitoring and preparedness for extra actions should they be needed.
Giving Sustainability and Balance Top Priority
Drawing future projects, the Minister underlined the Municipality of Thira’s establishment of a Destination Management and Promotion Organization financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility. This fits the government’s strategic plan, which aims for cooperation among national authorities, local governments, and private sector players to maintain balance and responsible development:
“We must move away from the outdated model that prioritizes quantity over quality and adopt an approach that focuses on long-term development in terms of sustainability and the resilience of destinations,” Kefalogianni said.
The government implemented policies, including a cruise passenger charge, to help alleviate the pressure on well-known sites like Santorini during busy seasons. Kefalogianni claims that residents will gain from this project since a portion of the income will be reinvested to strengthen infrastructure and raise the tourism standard.
“Part of this income will return to local communities, but will also be allocated to improve tourism infrastructure for the qualitative upgrade of tourism.”
In concluding her speech, the Minister of Tourism pointed out that the “Year of Promoting and Supporting Authenticity—Santorini 2025” can be an indicator for a new trajectory of sustainable tourism development and emphasized, “It highlights the unique identity and environment of the island, strengthens the local community and offers experiences that remain etched in the memory. And of course, this approach does not only concern Santorini. It concerns destinations throughout Greece.”
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