Due to numerous earthquakes on Santorini, representatives of the tourism industry are afraid that this year's holiday season will suffer seriously. They also demand from the Greek authorities of larger investments in infrastructure. Santorini is one of the tourism icons in Greece, generating up to 2.5 percent. GDP of this country.
From the end of January, there are thousands of shocks on the Greek islands of Santorini and Amorgos, some of which exceed the magnitude of 5. On both islands an extraordinary situation was announced, which is to last until March 11. Many people left because of the earthquakesfearing for your safety. The inhabitants of Santorini, which is one of the most visited Greek islands, are therefore afraid of this year's holiday season.
Vacation on Santorini threatened?
The BBC notes that the tourist season at Santorini unofficially begins in February, because then the first cruisers flow there, and Easter is slowly approaching. In the face of earthquakes, one of such ships has already resigned from arriving on the Greek island. – In the last two days we have noted a decrease in booking, but we hope that it will pass – said Antonis Pagonis from the Greek hoteliers' association.
However, even if tourists come, hotels may have a problem with handling guests. The island largely consists in seasonal employees coming from other parts of the country or from abroad. The number of Santorini residents themselves is only 15,000, and the island is visited by up to tens of thousands of tourists a day.
– I'm afraid there will be no tourists enough. If the season is weak, I will not earn so much, or they will not need me all summer. I cannot take this risk – says a man quoted by the media named Manos, who has been working on Santorini as a bartender for several seasons. This year, he intends to work on another island – Corfu.
Hoteliers are demanding investment
There is a TVN24 reporter Dominika Ziółkowska on Santorini. Describing the shocks on the island, she reported: “This is a very strange feeling. The door begins to walk, as if it was blowing hard, the bed begins to vibrate. I must admit that although I knew where I was going and where I can meet, such a moment appeared Healing: And what now. “
By the way, representatives of the tourism industry note that the Greek authorities should also invest in the island's infrastructure. – The challenges will not disappear after the earthquakes cease to stop – emphasizes the owner of four hotels at Santorini, Margarita Karamelegkou. – Although the state worked quickly in response to the earthquakes, we have long asked for improvement (infrastructure – ed.), Such as building a new port – she added.
The Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized during a Friday visit to the island that the protection of the image of Santorini is crucial and described it as “iconic tourist direction”. “It's our duty to protect her, keep her image and ensure that 2025 will be another great year for tourism,” he said. The BBC reports that the Santorini Island generates about 2.5 percent. Greek GDP.
Source of the main photo: Shutterstock