Athens’ Hoteliers See Positive Signs For Tourism

The average hotel occupancy in Athens-Attica increased by 4.5 percent in April compared to the same month in 2010 following a negative streak in bookings that lasted several months, the Athens-Attica Hotel Association outlined last month in an announcement.

The association said the upward trend was a result of the pricing policy followed by hoteliers of the Greek capital.

Occupancy in hotels of all categories increased in April with four-star hotels in the lead as a 10.8 percent increase was recorded compared to last year (73.8 percent from 66.6 percent in 2010).

Five-star hotels were on the same wavelength as occupancy increased by 6.2 percent (55.6 percent from 52.3 percent in April last year) while the Greek capital’s two- and three-star hotels also recorded a 0.8 percent increase in occupancy (74.1 percent from 73.6 percent last year).

Revenue loss for Athens-Attica hotels in April stood at 2.6 percent and, according to the association, the months of May and June would show if 2011 would end with a revenue increase after the slump caused from 2008 and onwards.

In addition, the association said the promotion of Athens’ hotels via online travel company Expedia.com was paying off.

Since the promotion campaign launched in April, participating hotels increased their revenue by 47 percent, while overnight stays increased 40 percent and the average price per room went up five percent.