Athens hotel rates rise again
Tourism in the capital is heading for an all-time high in all respects this year, figures show
This year is emerging as the best historically for Athens tourism, as demand for travel to the capital and coastal Attica appears practically inflexible. Despite the increase in hotel prices and short-term rental accommodation, the occupancy rates in the former remain at high levels and in the latter a very large part of the supply is absorbed.
Under these conditions, the average room price in Athens hotels is approaching 200 euros per night again, after its temporary decline in August, according to data from GBR Consulting cited by the Athens-Attica and Argosaronic Hotel Association (EXAAA).
The average daily rate (ADR) in Athens in September increased by 8.1% compared to the same month last year. Although for this particular month occupancy appears marginally lower than last year, over the first nine months, Athens occupancy increased by 1.5% on an annual basis.
Part of the increased demand is also reflected in the increase in arrivals at Athens Airport, which nevertheless serves as an intermediate station for countryside destinations as well. Athens Airport’s passenger traffic during September 2024 reached 3.30 million, up 9.7% compared to the same month last year. In fact, international passenger traffic exceeded the figures of September 2023 by 12.3%.
Overall, in the first nine months of the year, international passenger traffic showed an increase of 16.0%, reaching 17.246 million, from 14.863 million in the corresponding period last year. For this year, GBR Consulting estimates an increase in revenues of Greek hotels in general around 10% based on the sample of businesses it monitors. Along with foreign visitors and revenues, however, the challenges also grew. According to the Athens Hoteliers Association, there is concern as to whether the destination is adequately prepared to receive such a volume of visitors. “Is the existing infrastructure (water supply, sewerage, road networks etc) sufficient and is its operation, maintenance and management sufficient?” EXAAA asks in a statement.
