Santorini Shakes Off Seismic Setback to Welcome Tourists

Santorini received its first cruise ship of the year after February's small but numerous earthquakes caused a state of emergency, disrupting tourism. Despite fears, locals are optimistic as visitors like Deborah Terry and Julie Eberly express confidence in safety. The island looks forward to normalcy and a revived tourism season.

Santorini, a prime tourism destination in Greece, reopened to its first cruise ship this year following a series of small earthquakes in February that prompted an emergency response from authorities. The Celestyal Discovery arrived with 1,700 tourists, signaling a hopeful return to normalcy for the island.

Despite the increased seismic activity that led to school closures and halted construction, tourists like Deborah Terry and Julie Eberly express confidence and excitement in visiting the island. They trust in the safety assurances from the local tourism board.

Santorini, home to around 20,000 residents, is heavily reliant on its annual influx of 2.5 million tourists. Locals eagerly anticipate the return of visitors, with safety measures like an evacuation port prepared to ensure continued protection against future quakes.

(With inputs from agencies.)