ATH: 2.2% Increase in Average Hotel Occupancy in Athens for the First Five Months – Concerns Due to Global Developments

The average occupancy rate in Athens hotels increased by 2.2% during the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to an announcement by the Association of Hotels in Athens, Attica & Argosaronic (ATH). The Average Daily Rate (ADR) was set at €155.25 (an increase of 4.8% compared to the same period in 2024), and the Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar) reached €111.06 (an increase of 7.1% compared to last year’s pentamonth). In terms of movement and performance so far this year, May 2025—traditionally a peak month for Athens—recorded an average occupancy rate of 87.9%, up from 84.5% in May 2024. Additionally, improvements were noted in the ADR, which reached €210.95 (a 4.8% increase), and RevPar, which rose to €185.32 (a 7.1% increase compared to last May). On a pentamonth basis, compared with competing cities, Athens’ performance in terms of occupancy, ADR, and RevPar was satisfactory. Athens’ occupancy rate (71.5%) over the pentamonth followed trends seen in Madrid and Barcelona, which saw marginal increases or slight decreases, but surpassed Rome and Istanbul. Regarding ADR, Athens and Rome both saw a 4.8% increase, while Madrid increased by 9.5%, Barcelona by 3.6%, and Istanbul by 0.3%. Similarly, in RevPar for the pentamonth of 2025, Athens saw a 7.1% increase, Madrid a 10.1% increase, Barcelona a 2.7% increase, Rome a 5.0% increase, and Istanbul a 1.7% increase. According to the same announcement, ‘Athens hospitality is maintaining a “wait-and-see” stance due to significant international developments that are once again troubling Greek tourism. Geopolitical developments and potential economic impacts leading to further military conflicts are causing justified concern within the hospitality industry. Potential travelers, even for business purposes—let alone vacations—are also adopting a “wait-and-see” attitude. Greece, especially Athens, has faced significant crises repeatedly in recent history and has proven its resilience. However, precautionary measures regarding crisis management and economic risk are still needed at both central and regional levels.’ Overall, the first pentamonth of 2025 performed well in Athens but with a particularly ‘restrained dynamism’ in hotels, which had already concerned the hospitality sector regarding the rest of the year and into 2026. While factors such as destination appeal and market trends were considered, new concerns have emerged beyond the usual parameters.