The start of this year's tourist season in Santorini will be given by the first cruise passengers, estimated at 1265 on Celestyal Discovery, owned by Celestyal, who will be welcomed by the Santorinians at 7.15 in the morning of Sunday, March 23.
Santorini Gears Up for a Thriving 2025 Tourist Season
A Bright Future for Santorini Tourism
Santorini is poised to welcome visitors for the 2025 tourist season with renewed optimism and a commitment to maintaining its status as one of the world’s premier travel destinations. The island’s iconic whitewashed buildings, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking sunsets continue to captivate travelers from across the globe. Despite recent seismic activity, Santorini is ready to embrace a successful season, taking inspiration from the remarkable recovery of Rhodes in the previous year.
A Grand Welcome to Cruise Passengers
The official start of the season will be marked by the arrival of the first cruise passengers aboard the Celestyal Discovery on March 25. Approximately 1,265 visitors will set foot on the island, greeted warmly by the local community. This signals the beginning of an exciting period for Santorini, with an estimated 50 cruise ships scheduled to visit in April alone.
According to Giorgos Nomikos, President of the Thira Port Authority, these early arrivals are a testament to the island’s strong appeal and resilience. The Greek Minister of Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, reaffirmed this sentiment during her recent visit, emphasizing that Santorini remains a top-tier destination celebrated for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and outstanding hospitality.
Santorini, the only area in Greece that remained unaffected during the financial crisis (2010), is commonly believed to have been shielded from the recent short-term earthquakes as well. This is why it is considered the safest area to invest in.
Optimism Among Tourism Stakeholders
Santorini’s hotel owners and tourism professionals are confident that the upcoming season will see a strong resurgence in bookings. With Easter approaching, many accommodations are reopening their doors, creating an atmosphere of normalcy and anticipation. Antonis Pagonis, President of the Santorini Hoteliers Association, expressed confidence that the island will not only recover from any recent setbacks but will also surpass expectations, much like Rhodes did following the wildfires of 2023.
International Markets Show Strong Interest
Encouraging signs are emerging from international tourism markets, further fueling optimism for Santorini’s 2025 season. The recent Berlin International Tourism Fair showcased sustained interest in the island, with travel agencies and tour operators expressing enthusiasm for continued collaboration.
Minister Kefalogianni underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors. Measures have been put in place to strengthen infrastructure and update civil protection plans, reinforcing Santorini’s position as a secure and well-prepared destination.
A Season of Growth and Renewal
With its timeless allure, Santorini is set to continue enchanting visitors from around the world. The island’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of challenges is a testament to its enduring appeal. As the 2025 tourist season begins, Santorini stands ready to offer an unforgettable experience, reaffirming its place as a jewel of the Aegean. Visitors can look forward to stunning views, world-class hospitality, and a seamless travel experience in one of Greece’s most beloved destinations.
“Santorini is open and fully operational. Visitors need not have any concerns when making their bookings,” emphasized the Minister in an interview with CNN.
In a statement to the global tourism market, Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni reassured that Santorini is completely safe and ready to welcome visitors for another year. She made these comments in an interview with CNN.
“Santorini is open and fully operational. Visitors need not have any concerns when making their bookings,” emphasized the Minister, clarifying that the situation on the island has fully stabilized after the increased underwater seismic activity recorded earlier this year.
Kefalogianni pointed out that the scientific community has given the green light for the continuation of economic and social activities in Santorini, and the citizens who had chosen to stay off the island for a few days as a precaution have now returned.
The island remains as beautiful as ever.
“The locals are preparing for the upcoming tourist season,” said the Minister from London, where she was promoting Greek destinations. “I visited Santorini earlier this week, and I can tell you that the island remains stunning,” she added.
“We are open, as is customary, and we are expecting visitors to enjoy this wonderful island and all the beauties of Greece,” concluded Kefalogianni.
Source: iefimerida.gr – Kefalogianni on CNN: Santorini is safe and ready to welcome visitors
Greek Newpaper News
Tourism: Optimism Returns to Santorini – The Island Finds Its Rhythm Again
Santorini, one of the world’s most popular destinations, recently experienced a period of disruption due to intense seismic activity. However, optimism is returning as the island dynamically prepares for the upcoming summer tourism season.
From Disruption to Recovery
Until recently, Santorini faced the challenge of increased tourist traffic, with visitors flocking to the alleys of Oia in search of the perfect sunset. However, in early 2024, a new issue arose, disturbing the island’s daily life, this time originating from beneath its surface.
Between January and February, over 20,000 seismic tremors were recorded in the area, causing concern among residents and local businesses. Many seasonal workers and residents decided to temporarily leave, and construction activities were suspended. This situation affected not only Santorini but also neighboring islands, creating an unprecedented calm, while the island is usually bustling with life.
Despite the initial disruption, experts emphasized that such phenomena are expected for a volcanic area like Santorini. After all, the island owes its unique topography to the geological forces that continue to shape it.
Return to Normalcy
In March, the seismic activity subsided, and precautionary measures were lifted, signaling the return of life to the island. Residents who had left returned, schools reopened, and businesses resumed full operations. Early signs indicate that the island is preparing for a vibrant tourism season, with industry professionals expressing optimism about the upcoming period.
Business owners and hoteliers report that bookings have started to recover, while the local community seeks to enhance the island’s image through promotional initiatives and communications. A key role in this effort is played by businesses adapting with attractive offers and more flexibility in bookings, aiming to encourage more visitors to choose Santorini for their summer holidays.
Despite initial concerns, many travelers seem undeterred by the recent events. According to travel agents, summer bookings are gradually returning to normal levels, as Santorini remains one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Visitors who had already planned their trip to the island state that the seismic activity was not a deterrent. On the contrary, the idea of Santorini as a living, volcanic destination shaped by nature adds another layer to their experience.
Ready for the New Season
As the summer season approaches, the island is preparing to welcome its visitors while maintaining its unique charm. The images of the famous sunset, gastronomic experiences, and traditional hospitality continue to captivate travelers from all over the world.
With businesses adapting to the conditions and the island’s natural beauty remaining unparalleled, Santorini seems ready to leave the recent disruption behind and return to the top of the Mediterranean’s tourist destinations.
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