Santorini Strengthens Tourism Future With New Marketing Plan And DMMO After Recent Quakes

Published on March 18, 2025

Santorini, Greece unveils a new tourism campaign to boost travel and reassure visitors following recent seismic activity.

After experiencing weeks of seismic activity that raised concerns among locals and travelers alike, Santorini is steadily returning to normalcy and preparing for what promises to be a dynamic tourism season. Greek Minister of Tourism Olga Kefalogianni visited the island on Monday to reassure stakeholders that Santorini remains a safe, organized, and fully prepared destination, ready to welcome visitors from around the world.

Speaking after a high-level meeting with local authorities and tourism representatives, Kefalogianni emphasized that the government is actively supporting the island’s recovery and working to ensure that the tourism industry remains robust. Her visit follows a period of uncertainty caused by more than a month of seismic movements, which had led to speculation about potential disruptions to the upcoming travel season. In response to these concerns, the minister announced a series of targeted initiatives designed to strengthen Santorini’s tourism sector, boost confidence among visitors, and promote sustainable development. These efforts include a large-scale tourism campaign and the formation of a Destination Management and Marketing Organization known as DMMO following the signing of an official agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and the island’s municipal authorities.

One of the key elements of the recovery plan is a dedicated tourism campaign with a budget of five hundred thousand euros. This initiative will focus on promoting Santorini as a premier global travel destination, ensuring that international markets remain engaged and excited about visiting the island. The campaign will be managed by a committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, the Greek National Tourist Organization, the local government, and key industry stakeholders who will work together to highlight the unique experiences Santorini has to offer.

Another significant development is the creation of a Destination Management and Marketing Organization which will be backed by one million euros in funding from the Recovery and Resilience Fund. This organization will play a central role in overseeing the management and promotion of Santorini’s tourism sector, ensuring long-term strategic planning, brand positioning, and sustainable growth.

Additionally, the recovery plan includes the implementation of clear timelines for major infrastructure projects that are essential for supporting Santorini’s long-term development. These projects will focus on enhancing the island’s capacity to accommodate visitors while preserving its unique cultural and natural heritage. By prioritizing infrastructure improvements, the government aims to provide a seamless experience for travelers and residents alike while fostering sustainable tourism practices.

Kefalogianni reassured stakeholders that the government had taken immediate and responsible action in collaboration with scientific experts who continue to closely monitor the situation. She underscored the importance of strengthening infrastructure, updating civil protection plans, and implementing comprehensive safety measures to safeguard the well-being of residents, visitors, and tourism professionals. These proactive steps reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that Santorini remains a world-class destination known for its safety, beauty, and hospitality.

Despite recent challenges, the outlook for Santorini’s tourism sector remains highly positive. Kefalogianni highlighted the strong international interest in the island, pointing to the overwhelmingly favorable reception Santorini received at the ITB Berlin international tourism exhibition. This enthusiastic response from global markets underscores the enduring appeal of Santorini and its status as a must-visit destination.

The meeting, which was coordinated by Thira Mayor Nikos Zorzos, was attended by a range of high-profile officials and industry representatives. Among those present were Deputy Minister of Tourism Anna Karamanli, President of the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels Alexandros Vassilikos, President of the Santorini Hoteliers Association Antonis Pagonis, Members of Parliament representing the Cyclades, and key figures from tourism organizations as well as local and regional bodies. Their collective participation highlights the strong collaboration between government authorities and the private sector in ensuring Santorini’s successful recovery and long-term prosperity.

With a strategic recovery plan in place and the unwavering support of the government and industry stakeholders, Santorini is not only bouncing back from recent challenges but is also poised to emerge stronger than ever. Through targeted investments, sustainable initiatives, and global promotional efforts, the island is set to reaffirm its position as one of the world’s most sought-after travel destinations, ready to welcome visitors for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Aegean.