Assessing the Spatial Distribution of Volcanic Risk for Tourists on the Island of Santorini
Tourists visiting the islands of Santorini, Greece, currently have little insight into the potential volcanic risks associated with the geographical location and geological conditions. To date, a wide body of research has mostly focussed on volcanism in and around Santorini, both past and present. In recent years, the number of tourists that visit Santorini has increased significantly (2.3 million in 2019) and this is expected to keep growing. Volcanic risk and the potential impact this may have for tourists and tourism has not yet been researched. Whilst the local authorities in Santorini have produced a general emergency response plan (named ‘Talos’), the connection between the volcanic risks and the distribution and understanding of tourists' specifically has not been assessed. This study begins to address this gap, spatially highlighting the risks to tourists on Santorini as well as gaining insight into their perceptions of volcanic risk. Using a mixed-methods approach; a tourist-targeted questionnaire, a spatial survey of tourist accommodation, and GIS mapping of risks associated with an eruption. This study shows that the most popular tourist areas (for hotel accommodation or for visiting) are also those of highest risk. It also reveals that tourists have an inaccurate perception of volcanic risks, and of which areas of the islands are most or least at risk in the event of an eruption. From this work it is recommended that further research be conducted into how best to educate tourists of the risks whilst not deterring them from visiting Santorini. The emergency plan should also be updated to account for tourism on the island.
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