Thessaloniki’s Hotel Occupancy Still Not Close to 2019 Levels

Photo source: Visit Greece.

Thessaloniki’s hotel occupancy rates in the January-September period were down by 13.9 percent over nine-month pre-pandemic 2019 levels reaching 61 percent, according to monthly research carried out by GBR Consulting on behalf of the Thessaloniki Hotels Association (THA).

In the same nine-month period, revenue per available room (RevPAR) in Thessaloniki came to 52.61 euros, up by 3.4 percent over the same period in 2019.

Average room rate (ARR) also increased by 12.2 percent compared to pre-Covid 2019 but Thessaloniki hoteliers argue that the rise still fails to cover soaring operating costs created by inflation and the ongoing energy crisis.

Photo source: Visit Greece.

In view of the unsatisfactory figures, Thessaloniki hoteliers are calling on the government, the tourism ministry, the region and the municipality to formulate a strategic plan for the tourism development and promotion of the northern port city as a year-round destination.

“Based on the above data, we believe that this is the right time to create an integrated strategic plan for the development of Thessaloniki as a tourist destination and to implement it with targeted promotional actions based on an up-to-date study in efforts to attract new markets,” the THA said in a statement.

Deputy Interior Minister Responsible for Macedonia – Thrace, Stavros Kalafatis.

In the meantime, last month Deputy Interior Minister Responsible for Macedonia – Thrace Stavros Kalafatis announced at least 30 key projects, including the metro and a new airport terminal, that are expected to place Thessaloniki on the international tourist radar.