Mixed start for tourism in Greece 2009

[kefallon]

Article from todays Athens+

Greece’s tourism season has gotten off to a mixed start this year
amid rising concerns about the impact the global economic slowdown
will have on one of the country’s largest industries.
Hotel occupancy rates in Athens rose 0.70 percent in April, according to recent industry data, as sources indicated they are optimistic about the 2008 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.But sources said 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. Greece has to compete for visitors with a growing number of cheaper destinations but has also
started to draw an increasing influx of travelers from its Balkan
neighbors – a growing number of visitors from Bulgaria, Romania
and Serbia are reaching Greece along with more Russians.
However, last year, despite a 6 percent increase in tourist arrivals,
money spent by visitors grew by only 3 percent. A lack of online tourism services and a delay in low-cost airlines flying to Greece are considered to be key reasons stunting the growth of tourism receipts.
Figures from the Civil Aviation Authority show that the
number of tourists entering Greece between January and April fell to 238,964 from 247,336 in the same period one year earlier.
Meanwhile, the number of tourists entering Greece on chartered
flights dipped marginally in the first four months of the year. Tourism accounts for about 18 per cent of Greece’s annual economic
output and roughly one in five jobs.
Last year about 17 million tourists visited Greece, a country with a population of 11 million people.

[john]

Skopelos was very busy this year. Our hotel was running almost at capacity and the centre was really bustling in the evening. almost every bar alnog the harbour was full. I have to admit that this was a bit of a shock after being in Poros!!
Strangely anough, it wasn't on the back of Mamma Mia either! I'll tell more later.