Compared to 2019, the overall satisfaction level of Athens visitors increased, according to the 18th Attica Hotel Performance and Guest Satisfaction Survey, which is for the second consecutive year a product of EXAAA’s synergy with Athens International Airport. Specifically, the overall satisfaction level of Athens visitors increased in 2022 to 8.4, from 8.1 in 2019. In a special event that took place in a central Athens hotel, this year’s survey reveals that some groups of Athens visitors have common interests, not excluding that some travelers have diverse interests, which makes the analysis of traveler behavior complex. In particular, the 2022 survey identified 10 specific profiles among 2,000 hotel guests in Athens, with a convergence of interests in several cases.

Along with travelers who have traveled to Athens with a specific interest and planned their city program accordingly, there is, however, a large share – about a third of leisure travelers – who do not have a specific interest and have chosen a more “relaxed” » approach, not intending to visit as many sights as possible. In this way, the “relaxers” feel that they have limited contact with the locals and their way of life. All this does not affect their overall satisfaction, as the “relaxed” are very satisfied, rating their overall experience in the city with a score of 8.4. They spend less compared to other traveler profiles. It is clear that the other profiles spend more money, meaning that specific experiences provide them with the incentive to increase spending in the city.

Despite different interests, almost all visitors to Athens, including professionals, have the following in common: they usually visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, combining a walk in Plaka and Monastiraki. This also means that tourist flows are concentrated in certain neighborhoods, focusing almost exclusively on recreation and entertainment, and affecting residents who see the urban viability of their neighborhoods declining. Awareness of Athens’ waterfront has improved, with 63% of hotel guests visiting it, while the majority of those who haven’t are now aware of it. Also, the recognition of the Argosaronic islands is improving, but still remains at low levels.

The hotel volume is concentrated in the area around Koukaki, Syntagma Square, Omonia and Monastiraki. In 2022 approximately 72% of all hotels in Attica (not including the Argosaronic Islands) are located in the Athens Central Sector and the number of hotel rooms in the center increased by 19% during the period 2015-2022. The number of units in the downtown short-term rental market grew at a CAGR of 60% from 2015-2019, while the number of units in operation declined in 2020 and 2021 and rebounded in 2022.

Hotel performance in the 1st quarter of 2022, always according to the survey, continued to be affected by the pandemic, but from July 2022, in terms of occupancy, the levels and pattern of 2019 were achieved. Therefore, in the whole year 2022 occupancy levels fell by 10.7% compared to 2019. The average room rate increased by 14.4% in 2022/19 in a period of high inflation. Passenger traffic and the number of flights at Athens Airport in 2022 far exceeded the European average, with Athens International Airport ranking 3rd among European metropolitan airports.

Finally compared to Mediterranean cities in 2022, only Istanbul managed to surpass 2019 levels in hotel occupancy. In terms of room rates, Rome far outperformed Mediterranean cities and most European capitals with a 32% increase 2022/19.