Athens Hotel Occupancy Rates Waning

Athens hotels have been seeing the numbers of their clientele drop since last fall through to February this year, according to the Athens-Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association (AHA).

AHA Findings indicate a steady decline in the autumn of 2015, by 3.8 percent in September, 6.1 percent in October and 4.6 percent in November, with February recording a 1.2 percent decrease.

Comparing the arrival figures from Athens International Airport with those at Athens hotels, the association is citing the drop to visitors opting for peer-to-peer services (such as Airbnb) instead of recognized hotels.

On review of the recent figures, Athens hoteliers are joining their colleagues across Greece in expressing their concerns over the government’s recent decision to legalize peer-to-peer accommodation services, describing it as “unfair competition” as the legal framework covering these vacation rentals is vague.

AHA is calling on the government to re-examine its decision and proceed with a new legal, institutional and fiscal framework that does not create unfair market conditions at the expense of the legitimate and licensed sector, while ensuring state revenues and visitor safety.