**Santorini Prepares for Possible Turbulence in Summer Tourism Amid Earthquake Woes**

**As thousands of earthquakes hit Santorini since January, the island's crucial tourism sector braces for a tough summer ahead.**

The island of Santorini, one of Greece’s prime tourist destinations, is facing significant uncertainty as it gears up for the summer tourist season amidst thousands of earthquakes that have rattled the region since January. With Easter approaching and the first cruise ships expected soon, the ongoing seismic activity is raising concerns over tourist safety and shrinking bookings. Antonis Pagonis, president of Greece's Association of Hoteliers, reported, "In the past two days, we have seen a drop in bookings, but we hope this will be short-lived."

Tourism is the backbone of Santorini’s economy, contributing approximately 2.5% to Greece's GDP and generating around €5.9 billion in annual revenue. However, experts warn that the trajectory for this year appears grim. The island relies heavily on seasonal workers who support the permanent population of about 15,000 in catering to the influx of tourists, which can balloon to 70,000 daily during peak season.

The uncertainty surrounding the earthquakes has already led some potential workers to opt for employment in other regions. Bartender Manos, who enjoyed lucrative summers in Santorini, decided to move to Corfu instead, citing worries about diminished tourist numbers and job stability. "If the season is weak, I might not make as much money, or they might not need me for the whole summer," he explained.

Moreover, ongoing construction work aimed at refurbishing hotels has stalled due to safety concerns, further complicating preparations for the summer. Hoteliers are now appealing for government assistance to maintain salaries for construction workers until seismic work can resume.

While the government has acted swiftly, declaring a state of emergency and deploying rescue teams to the island, the tourism industry advocates for broader investment in Santorini’s infrastructure. Margarita Karamolegkou, who owns several hotels on the island, has long championed the need for improvements, including a new port amid calls for strict regulations on private rentals.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently acknowledged the vital nature of protecting Santorini’s reputation as a leading tourist destination, asserting the government’s commitment to ensuring a robust recovery for the industry. Even as the seismic events persist, Karamolegkou remains hopeful, stating, "We have been in this business for decades, operating at the highest level. I am confident that even with fewer staff, our services will remain exceptional."

As the island stands on the brink of summer, the unfolding situation remains precarious, with both hope and anxiety entrenched within the community. The resilience of Santorini’s tourism industry will undoubtedly be tested in the months to come.