Greek Hoteliers Give Negative Economic Outlook In Survey

Greece was the least optimistic in Europe as 59 percent of Greek hoteliers from large properties said they believed the economy would get worse, according to the “Mid-year TripAdvisor Industry Index” report released recently by leading travel website TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor gathered the input of 25,000 hotel owners and managers on the state of the economy, on their business prospects and on what they expect to see in the second half of 2012.

The report, considered the largest hotel survey in the world, revealed interesting findings about hotel profitability; which markets have the best and worst economic outlook; and how techsavvy, mobile device-wielding travelers are changing the industry.

Opposite from Greece, when questioned to give an economic outlook, more than 50 percent of all Turkish and German properties with 50+ rooms expect the economy to improve in the second half of 2012.

On the other hand, Greece was at the top of the list with 58 percent of European countries that planned to drop their rates over the next six months. Spain and Italy followed with 43 and 36 percent respectively.

European job outlook was the most positive in Turkey, with 29 percent of properties planning to increase their staff in the next six months. Germany (19 percent), Spain (16 percent), Russia (16 percent) and Greece (10 percent) made the top five for the region.

In the category of “Special offers,” Greece came in first worldwide for room discounts as some 77 percent of hoteliers said that was their most common incentive to encourage bookings.

In regards to hotels worldwide most likely to have eco-friendly practices in place, Greece came in 18th with 69 percent of hoteliers reporting they felt it important to bring such practices into their businesses.