Athens Hotels Experience A Cruel Summer

Tourism revenue in the Greek capital during August decreased by 14 percent following a 15 percent drop in July, Athens-Attica Hoteliers Association President Yiannis Retsos recently told Greek journalists.

Five-star hotels in Attica saw revenue drop by 25 percent in August while four-star hotels saw a 26 percent fall. In regards to September, the association’s president said that bookings had “froze” as it was considered uncertain if the city center would be free from strikes and/or demonstrations.

According to recent data, during the first eight months of the year, Athens saw arrivals fall by 5.86 percent (2.1 million arrivals from 2.24 million in 2009). Greek press articles said June and July were the worst months for tourism in the capital as the decline in arrivals had reached nine percent.