Santorini’s 2025 tourist season is off to a shaky start as delays in regulatory decisions

Santorini’s 2025 tourist season is off to a shaky start as delays in regulatory decisions threaten the island’s vital tourism sector. With the season set to begin in days, the absence of a joint ministerial decision on operational guidelines has already cost the island dearly.

According to the Thira Municipal Port Authority, five of the ten cruise ships scheduled to dock in March—large vessels carrying thousands of passengers each—have rerouted to other destinations due to uncertainty over docking permissions according to greek city times

These cruise ships, a cornerstone of Santorini’s tourism economy, bring in significant revenue through visitor spending and port fees. The popular Cycladic island typically welcomes dozens of such arrivals monthly, but the lack of clarity on approach regulations has disrupted this flow. Industry insiders warn that the remaining five ships, still on standby, could follow suit if the government doesn’t act within the next 48 hours. “Every lost cruise is a blow to our economy,” a local stakeholder noted, blaming the delay on pending governmental shifts.

Hoteliers are also on edge. The Santorini Hoteliers’ Association has appealed to ministries for urgent clarity, decrying the conflicting information and lack of guidance. In a letter signed by president Antonis Pagonis, they demand immediate answers on business operations, port upgrades, and a promotional campaign to protect Santorini’s brand according to greek city times

With cruise ships and hotels hanging in the balance, swift action is critical to save the season.

Source: pagenews.gr