Mixed bag for Athens hoteliers
Hotel occupancy rates in Athens were mixed in April, industry data showed yesterday but sources indicated they were still optimistic about this year’s season. Data from Athens hoteliers showed that occupancy rates in April for five- and two-star hotels rose 2.1 and 2.2 percent respectively in comparison with the previous year. Occupancy rates in three- and four-star hotels, on the other hand, slipped 1.2 percent and 0.50 percent respectively, data showed. Concerns have been growing about the impact of the global economic slowdown on the country’s vital tourism sector. But sources said yesterday they were satisfied with the figures for April, a month considered to be crucial for the tourism season. It is encouraging that occupancy rates are stable, in conjunction with heightened interest in Athens as a host city for conferences and corporate gatherings, one source said.
