Athens vs. Madrid: A Tourism Performance Comparison

Despite signs of stabilization, tourism in Athens lags behind other European cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome, according to data from the Athens-Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association (EXA).

Madrid maintained stability (+0.1%) at higher levels than Athens, while Barcelona and Rome recorded slight decreases in occupancy. Room rates in Madrid increased by 6.6%, in Rome by 3.5%, and in Barcelona by 3.1%, while Istanbul decreased by 1.5%.

In RevPar, Athens recorded an increase of 3.2%, but Madrid stood out with an increase of 6.8%. EXA attributes Athens' lag to geopolitical issues, internal conditions in important markets such as America and Israel, and the oversupply of beds.

June recorded an average occupancy of 88.9% compared to 90.6% last year, a decrease of 2%. The average room rate (ADR) was €228.50, down 3.7%. June 2025 RevPar decreased by 5.5%.

In the first half of 2025, the average occupancy in Athens recorded a slight increase of 1.3%, while the average room rate increased by 1.9%. The average revenue per available room (Rev Par) reached €126.54, up 3.2%.