Hotel occupancy disproportionate to 2023 increase in air arrivals
Despite the large increase in air arrivals recorded in 2023, Greek hotels registered approximately the same occupancy rates as in 2022, while their prices increased, reported the President of the Institute of Tourism Research and Forecasts (ITEP), Konstantina Svinou, based on a recent survey concerning the May-October touristic period.
Svinou, in her interview with the state-run Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), referred to a forthcoming detailed study expected by the Hellenic Chambers of Hotels, explaining that hotels in continuous operation are the ones most affected by the unrestrained proliferation of short-term leasing. She stressed that hotels in continuous operation suffer most from the increase in the accommodation tax, while they lack substantial state support.
Approximately 38% of Greek hotels operate all year round, with their average occupancy not exceeding 50% during the winter season, while their operational costs remain unchanged, says Svinou.
Svinou emphasized that there can be no horizontal conclusions in the field of tourism, stressing “that there are always areas and units that “work” more efficiently or passively. What we calculate is the whole.”
“As it turns out, running a hotel all year round means that one has to prioritize other parameters over their business performance, such as ensuring 12 months of work for the staff, loyalty to your regulars, and … love for your profession,” she concluded.
