Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp.

19-30

The Impact of Economic Crisis on Tourism and Hospitality:

Results from a Study in Greece
Soultana (Tania) Kapiki, Alexander Technological Educational Institute of
Thessaloniki, tkapiki@tour.teithe.gr

Abstract
The hospitality and tourism sector is experiencing numerous challenges as a result of
the global economic crisis. After a significant contraction in 2009, tourism rebounded
strongly in 2010 and in 2011 the international tourist arrivals and receipts are
projected to increase substantially. The hospitality industry is expected to show a
sustained recovery in 2012. The crisis has particularly strong impact and negative
consequences in Greece. The country is undergoing a serious political crisis, as well,
and it seems that the forthcoming elections are the only solution for the restoration of
stability and social peace. In addition, tourism can be the driving force behind
Greece’s economic recovery. However, for its achievement the country’s policy
makers should take several measures towards restructuring and improving the sector.
These measures include: enhancement of alternative forms of tourism; environmental
protection; creation of quality infrastructure; and boost of competitiveness through a
tourism product that offers value for money.

Key words: hospitality, tourism, crisis, Greece, recession, social peace

Introduction
There is no universally accepted definition of what constitutes a crisis and different
writers present their own interpretations. However, it appears that three elements must
be present: a triggering event causing significant change or having the potential to
cause significant change; the perceived inability to cope with this change; and a threat
to the existence of organizations (Keown-McMullan, 1997), as well as of tourists and
members of the tourism industry (Henderson, 2006). Every crisis is unique displaying
a remarkable range and variety (Henderson, 2006), yet characteristics generally cited
include unexpectedness, urgency and danger (Hermann, 1972). Tourism crises usually
share these attributes although certain crisis situations can be predicted and lack
immediacy.
Causes of many tourism crises can be traced to developments in the economic,
political, sociocultural and environmental domains which affect demand and supply in
 Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp. 19-30

generating and destination countries. Economic downturn and recession, fluctuating

exchange rates, loss of market confidence and withdrawal of investment funds can all
create a tourism crisis. Crises generated within the industry can also be analysed
under the headings of economic, sociocultural and environmental when tourism has
negative impacts in these fields (Henderson, 2006).
The external and internal threats of the economic crisis to the tourism industry are:
 External threats: recession; currency fluctuations; and taxation.
 Internal threats: rising costs; falling revenues; unprofitability (Sian et al., 2009).
Crises occur at all levels of tourism operations with varying degrees of severity,
from much publicised environmental, economic and political disasters through to
internally generated crisis such as accidents and sudden illness (Beeton, 2001).
The travel and tourism industry is susceptible to a wide range of internal and
external forces and is impacted heavily by crisis events resulting in negative tourist
perceptions (Pforr & Hosie, 2009).
Economic downturn can undermine demand and possibly result in crisis for
industries in origin and destination countries if the slump is sufficiently intense or
prolonged. The recession of the 1990s on the U.S. mainland contributed to decline
Hawaii’s tourism from 1990 to 1993 and Japan’s economic difficulties had adverse
consequences for its outbound tourism in the same decade, including travel to Hawaii
(Sian et al., 2009).
In 1997 the world financial crisis that began in Asia and spread to Russia and
Brazil in 1998 (Schifferes, 2007), as well as the falling currency values depressed
demand for travel and investment in tourism (Henderson, 2006).
The U.S. hotel industry experienced an intense and immediate negative impact on
occupancy, rate, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) in real dollars after the
fall of Lehman Brothers on September 15, 2008 and the financial crisis that followed.
Although the direct effects of the economic crisis decreased in about four months,
occupancy rates continued to fall and remained low throughout 2009 and early 2010
(Enz et al., 2011).

The Impact of Economic Crisis on Tourism and Hospitality Worldwide

The current financial crisis that began in 2007 has created the greatest financial
disorders since the Great Depression of the 1930s (Melvin & Taylor, 2009).
 Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp. 19-30

As with most industries, the hospitality and tourism sector is experiencing

numerous challenges as a result of the global economic crisis. The industry is feeling
the impact of a shrinking capital market and decreased spending by both corporate
and individual consumers (Global Financial Crisis Bulletin,
http://www.protiviti.com/).
Businesses have reported a downturn in sales of lodging, foodservice, events and
other hospitality products and some have closed their doors forever. The decline
resulted not only from fewer customers in hotels, restaurants, conference and
convention centres, etc., but also from a significant decline in the average expenditure
per guest (Pizam, 2009).
The recession caused serious problems for luxury hotels in particular. However,
many hotels in certain global markets, especially those catering to leisure travellers,
were less affected. And the popularity and growth of the luxury hotel segment in
recent years suggests that a strong rebound may not be unrealistic (Barsky, 2009).
There were sharp differences in the performance of the various global regions in
2009 (http://www.unwto.org/media/news/en/press_det.php?id=5361). More specifi-
cally:
 Europe ended 2009 down 6%. Destinations in Central, Eastern and Northern
Europe were particularly badly hit, while results in Western, Southern and
Mediterranean Europe were relatively better.
 Asia and the Pacific (−2%) showed an extraordinary rebound. The second half
of 2009 saw a 3% growth, reflecting improved regional economic results and
prospects.
 In the Americas (−5%), the Caribbean returned to growth in the last four months
of 2009.
 The Middle East (−6%), though still far from the growth levels of previous
years, had a positive second half in 2009.
 Africa (+5%) was a strong performer, with sub-Saharan destinations doing
particularly well (http://www.qfinance.com/sector-profiles/tourism-and-hotels).
The average price of a hotel room around the world was 14% cheaper in 2009 than
in 2008, according to the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index. In fact, a hotel room was
cheaper in 2009 than it was in 2004. Rooms cost 13% less in Europe during 2009 than
in 2008, 14% less in the United States, 16% less in Asia and 21% less in Latin
America. However, towards the end of 2009, the price falls started to stabilize.
 Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp. 19-30

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) the key trends in

international tourism during 2010 were the following:
• Worldwide, international tourism rebounded strongly, with international tourist
arrivals up 6,6% over 2009, to 940 million.
• The increase balanced the decline caused by the economic downturn, with an
additional 23 million arrivals over the former peak year of 2008.
• In 2010, international tourism receipts are estimated to have reached US$ 919
billion worldwide (693 billion euros), up from US$ 851 billion (610 billion euros) in
2009, corresponding to an increase in real terms of 4,7%.
• As a reflection of the economic conditions, recovery was particularly strong in
emerging economies, where arrivals grew faster (+8%) than in advanced ones (+5%).
• The international tourist arrivals are projected to increase in 2011 by 4% to 5%.
In the DLA PIPER EU hospitality outlook survey (March 2011) the majority of
respondents expect the hospitality industry to show a sustained recovery in 2012 and a
return to pre-financial crisis levels in terms of room rates, largely due to a predicted
growth in business travel. “Being Green” and having green accreditation is seen as
important for increasing brand value by 57% of respondents and the use of energy-
efficient materials is widely adopted and driven by individual green policies and
rising energy costs. The EU hospitality and leisure sector is increasingly using social
media as a promotional tool to enhance sales, marketing and public relations, although
it is still behind the U.S. (http://www.dlapiperwin.com/).
The World Economic Forum published its Travel & Tourism Competitiveness
Report 2011 under the theme “Beyond the Downturn,” including the following
findings: the Travel & Tourism (T&T) industry is slowly recovering from the
Economic downturn, with the strong recovery being in emerging economies. The
industry is looking for ways to develop new market segments and attract new
customers. Indeed, T&T remains a critical economic sector worldwide, with the
potential to provide economic growth and development internationally. A growing
national T&T sector contributes to employment, raises national income and can
improve the balance of payments. Thus, the sector is an important driver of growth
and prosperity, and, particularly within developing countries, it can play a key role in
poverty reduction, as well.
After a contraction of 4,2% 2009, according to the UNWTO, international tourist
arrivals rose again in 2010 and have returned to their pre-crisis peak level,
 Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp. 19-30

representing a growth of 5 to 6 % over 2009; they are expected to return to the long-
term average of 4 % in 2011. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
estimates that, from direct and indirect activities combined, the T&T sector now
accounts for 9,2 % of global GDP, 4,8 % of world exports and 9,2 % of world
investment, returning to the position it held before the crisis.
During the downturn, travellers became less engaged with the traditional sun-and-
beach destination brands and looked instead for the best value in a two-hour flight
range. This has fuelled growth along the cheaper Mediterranean countries (e.g.
Tunisia and Egypt) and left euro zone countries such as Spain, Greece, and Portugal
coping with declining tourism traffic (World Economic Forum, 2011).
However, the political turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa at the end of
2010 and in the first months of 2011 has limited the tourism business sharply. As of
mid May, 2011 tourist arrivals have declined sharply in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Syria
and Tunisia. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, first quarter tourist
arrivals in Egypt and Tunisia were off about 45% compared with the respective period
of 2010.
Of course some of these tourist arrivals and tourism spending will show up as an
increase in tourism in other countries — although for the moment data do not indicate
which developing countries might be the most significant beneficiaries (World Bank,
June 2011).

The Economic and Political Crisis in Greece

The Greek financial crisis is now entering in its third year and international stock
markets are being affected. The Greek economy is in critical condition. The Greek
financial situation has helped push down the value of the euro against the dollar,
making a visit to Greece, or anywhere in the European Union (EU), relatively less
expensive for Americans and other foreign visitors.
A new deal on 26 October 2011 restructures and cuts 50% of the debt, and
probably means a better, more stable atmosphere in Greece as we move into 2012
(About.com Guide and examiner.com).
With the apposition of elements that is to follow, effort is made in order for the
current situation of tourism in Greece to be determined.
 Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp. 19-30

The table 1 shows the evolution of basic figures and performance indicators of the
Greek tourism for the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (period of the global
economic crisis).

Table 1. Basic Figures of Greek Tourism for the Years 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Basic Figures & YEAR
Performance Indicators 2007 2008 2009 2010
FIGURES

Contribution to GDP 17,3% 16,5% 15,2% 15,3%

BASIC

Contribution to Employment 20,2% 19,3% 17,7% 17,9%

Rank-Receipts 13th 12th 15th 21st

PERFORMANCE
INDICATORS

International Tourism Receipts 15,5 $ 17,1 $ 14,5 $ 12,7 $

(bi.)
Average per Capita 956,8 $ 1.075,5 $ 973,2 $ 846,7 $
Expenditure
Market Share World-Receipts 1,8% 1,8% 1,7% 1,4%

Source: Adapted from Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises, 2011

The above figures reveal that 2008 was a good year for the Greek tourism as it
concerns the international tourism receipts (the highest tourism receipts Greece ever
had) and the average per capita expenditure. Nevertheless, during the next two years
(2009 and 2010) the impact of economic crisis on the Greek tourism figures is evident
and resulted in the following negative rates:

Drop in contribution to GDP 2007-2010: 2%

Drop in international tourism receipts 2007 – 2010: 18,06%
Drop in average per capita expenditure 2007 – 2010: 11,5%
Drop in market share world-receipts 2007 – 2010: 0,4%

The figure 1 and table 2 below show the evolution of the turnover index in the
Greek tourism sector for the period 2005-2010.
 Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp. 19-30

Figure 1. Evolution of the Turnover Index in the Greek Tourism Sector (Base
Year: 2005=100,0)

110,4 113,9
120 103,7 103,6
100 95,1 2005
100 2006

80 2007
Percentage

2008
60
2009
40
2010
20

0
Year

Source: Adapted from Hellenic Statistical Authority, 2011

Table 2. Evolution of the Turnover Index in the Greek Tourism Sector (Base
Year: 2005=100)
YEAR INDEX YEAR ON YEAR
GROWTH RATES (%)
2005 100 -
2006 103,7 3,7
2007 110,4 6,5
2008 113,9 3,2
2009 103,6 -9,1
2010 95,1 -8,2
Source: Adapted from Hellenic Statistical Authority, 2011

Explanatory notes: the compilation of the turnover indices in the tourism sector
comprises enterprises with year turnovers equal to or higher than 250.000 euros,
represented by a sample of 158 enterprises. The turnover index in tourism sector
covers the country total, for the “Accommodation and Food Service Activities”
(Hellenic Statistical Authority, 2011).
 Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp. 19-30

The data above indicate that the turnover index in the tourism sector decreased by
9,1% in 2009 compared to 2008 and by 8,2% in 2010 compared to 2009.
Greece is ranked 21st in Europe and 29th overall, in the Travel & Tourism
Competitiveness Index rankings 2011, down by five positions since 2009 (World
Economic Forum, September 2011).
So far (November 2011), the tourism industry strengthened both in number of
foreign arrivals and in terms of RevPAR (http://www.traveldailynews.com/), as well
as of hotel occupancy development related to 2010 (European Tourism: Trends &
Prospects, Q3/2011). Taking into account the serious recession Greece is facing
nowadays, these developments are quite encouraging.
Tourism and politics have a close relationship in which domestic and international
political conditions and developments shape tourism flows and environment in which
the industry operates. Tourism also impacts on political structures and processes and
it is a policy making area of importance to most governments which seek to fully
exploit the economic opportunities, as well as the social and political uses it affords.
However, government actions, ideologies and political events are capable of
triggering a range of crises and political instability in a common catalyst (Sian, 2009).
It is well known that apart from the economic crisis, Greece is also undergoing a
serious political crisis. The combination of the economic and political crisis creates
an explosive mixture and the legitimacy of the political system is seriously
questioned, as a significant part of the population identifies a democratic deficit in the
management of the crisis and is confronted with a worrying image for the future
(Lyrintzis, 2011).
The Greek political system is considered very fragile at the moment and it seems
that the only way out of the crisis is the forthcoming elections which are expected to
bring back stability, optimism, prosperity and social peace to the country.
And as a nation moves into reconciliation with peace and stability beginning to
take root, tourism can provide a method to explore the healing process, rebuild
societies and reconnect nations or cultures that were separated through conflict (Levy
& Hawkins, 2010).
History has shown that Greece will manage to survive and the country will be able
to make its way out of the deep economic and political crisis.
 Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp. 19-30

The Study

Tourism Profile of Thessaloniki1 (results obtained from a research of GBR

Consulting on behalf of the Thessaloniki Hotels Association. The research was
conducted between August and October 2010 on a sample of approximately 600 hotel
guests).
 Nine out of ten of the city’s hotel guests (88,9%) are ready to come back to
Thessaloniki, as well as recommend it to others.
 The visitors rate the city with 7,9 (out of 10) and nearly 40% of respondents
have visited the city more than four times.
 Approximately 47% of the sample said that they visited the city for “fun” (the
answer for "business" was the next one).
 In the question “what makes the city unique”, the respondents state: people,
nightlife, entertainment, atmosphere, hospitality, history, attractions, culture,
food and the seafront.
 The visitor to the city stays on average 4,49 days, spends a total of about 471,5
euros, for attractions - entertainment (81,33 euros), restaurants, cafes and bars
(158,4 euros), purchases from stores (171,38 euros) and other activities (60,3
euros).
 Foreigners spend more during their stay in Thessaloniki (506,8 versus 434,3
euros for the Greeks) and 84,2% of them consider that the city deserves
another visit (94,5% for the Greeks).
 The average hotel occupancy rate for the period November 2009-November
2010 did not exceed 50%, having decreased compared with 2009, when it
reached 60%. At the same time, the indicators average room rate (ARR) and
RevPAR decreased significantly in Thessaloniki compared with 2009.

Study into the Impact of Economic Downturn on the 5 Star Hotels of Thessaloniki
The study intended to identify the impact of the financial crisis on the 5 star hotels
of Thessaloniki, Greece and how the annual occupancy rate, arrivals and overnight
stays, as well as daily room rate, profitability and operating costs were affected.

1
Thessaloniki is a historical and cultural city in North Greece. It is the second largest city in Greece
and tourism is one of the city’s major assets.
 Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp. 19-30

Data was collected by means of a questionnaire developed specifically for the

survey. The questionnaires were answered by the hotel executives in autumn 2011.
The basic characteristics of the surveyed hotels (twelve in total) are:
All the properties are 5 star hotels.
One of the hotels belongs to an international chain and the remaining eleven
either belong to Greek hotel chains or they are individual properties.
All of them are managed directly by the ownership and not by third-party
professional companies.
The hotels are located in both urban and suburban locations of Thessaloniki
and are of various sizes and rates.
All the hotels offer food and beverage services.

Questions and Findings of the Survey

Questions Findings
 Businessmen/Merchants,  Convention
members,  Tourists,  Families/Couples
1. What types of guests visit your hotel?

2. What was the average annual occupancy

of your hotel during 2005-2008? 65%
3. What was the average annual occupancy
of your hotel in the years 2009 and 2010? 63,3%
4. In the last two years (2009-2010), the The number of arrivals has increased by
number of arrivals at your hotel increased, 14% in 1/3 of the hotels, has declined by
declined or is it stable? 15% in another 1/3 and it is stable in the
remaining 1/3
5. What was the average per guest number 1,62 nights
of overnight stays during 2005-2008?
6. In 2009-2010, the number of overnight In six hotels the number is stable, in four
stays increased, declined or is it stable there is an increase and in two there is a
related to 2005-2008? decline
7. In 2009-2010, your profitability In six hotels there is a decline, in four the
increased, declined or is it the same related level is the same and in two there is an
to 2005-2008? increase of 10%
7a. What are the main reasons for your The quality of services and the competent
increased profitability? staff members
7b. What are the main reasons for your The financial crisis and the increase of the
decreased profitability? cost of living
8. Are your total operating costs in 2009- In seven hotels the costs have increased, in
2010 increased, declined or are the same four they have declined and in one they
related to 2005-2008? are stable
9. What was the average room rate, 110 euros and 101 euros, respectively
respectively, in 2005-2008 and 2009-2010?
10. During 2009-2010 did you make any Eight hotels did not make any investment,
kind of investment in the hotel? whereas four of them made investments
 Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp. 19-30

10a. If yes, what kind of investment?  Facilities improvement,  advertising;

staff recruiting & training; collaborations
with other bodies (travel agents,
restaurants, etc.)
10b. Do you think that your investment was From those hotels that made investments,

other hotels attribute the failure to:  the

profitable? If not, cite the reason(s). only one believes it was profitable. The

financial crisis;  the development of new

hotels;  the decline in arrivals and rates
 Development in N. Greece  Tourism
advertising  Incentives for visitors 
11. To overcome the economic crisis in

Tax reduction  Better services in the city

hotels, what are in your opinion the

(e.g. taxis, restaurants, shops, etc.) 

measures to be taken by the state?

Implementation of operational contracts

12.In order to increase the occupancy ratios Advertising & promotion of Thessaloniki
and average rate per guest, what solutions in the tourism and convention market;
do you think could be applied to your hotel? qualitative guest services; continuous
search for new ideas and products; hotel
renovation & SPA creation.

Results of the Survey

By analysing and comparing the above findings with the research findings of GBR
Consulting, we conclude that:
o The average annual occupancy rate of the 5 star hotels in 2010 (63,3%) was
higher than the occupancy rate of the city’s total hotels (50%).
o Despite the crisis, the occupancy rate in the 5 star hotels dropped only by 1,7%
between the time periods 2005-2008 (before the downturn) and 2009-2010.
The drop in the hotels of other classes was 10%.
o The 5 star hotel guests stay only 1-2 nights, whereas the visitors to the city
stay on average 4,49 nights.
o The average room rate (ARR) and revenue per available room (RevPAR)
dropped significantly in Thessaloniki compared with 2009. In the 5 star hotels,
the drop was approximately 8%.
o As to the arrivals and overnight stays in the 5 star hotels, it seems that on
average their number has remained the same, compared to 2005-2008.
o As expected, the profitability in the majority of the hotels has declined due to
the financial crisis and the increase of cost of living. Nevertheless, two hotels
managed to be profitable thanks to the quality of the services being offered
and their competent staff members.
 Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp. 19-30

o In the majority of the hotel sample the operating costs have increased. The
increase is mainly due to the rising prices of oil, electricity and labour costs.
o Most hotels did not make any, or, made some light investments over the last
years, such as facilities improvement; advertising; staff recruiting and training;
and collaborations with other bodies.
The main lesson that emerged from our survey is that the Greek hoteliers can
survive a recession, by offering qualitative services, by preparing careful plans
focused on guest and employee satisfaction, and by implementing a consistent pricing
policy as well as an effective revenue management.

Conclusions
We live in an era characterized by a very serious economic crisis that began in
the U.S. in 2007 and the continuous efforts made nationally and internationally to
overcome this crisis.
As a result of the global economic crisis, the hospitality and tourism industry
experienced a serious downturn in sales and profitability, especially during 2009.
In 2010, tourism rebounded strongly and in 2011 the international tourist arrivals
and receipts are projected to increase substantially.
Hotels in most parts of the world have experienced drops in occupancy, average
daily rate and revenue per available room. The drop in demand has shifted
considerable pricing power to the customer. Nevertheless, the luxury hotels are
less susceptible to the financial crisis due to the fact that the number of guests
able to afford luxury accommodations has risen dramatically over the past few
years.
The hospitality industry is expected to show a sustained recovery in 2012 and a
return to pre-financial crisis levels in terms of room rates. “Being Green” is seen
as important for increasing brand value and the use of energy-efficient materials
is widely adopted.
The crisis has particularly strong impact and negative consequences in certain
countries. One of these countries is Greece, in which the gross domestic product
(GDP) has declined by 7,3%, the foreign debt is 182,2% of the GDP,
unemployment has soared to 16,3% and wages of civil servants have been
decreased by 30-40%. Moreover, apart from the economic crisis, Greece is
undergoing a serious political crisis.
 Central European Review of Economics and Finance, Vol. 2. No 1 (2012) pp. 19-30

Tourism can be the driving force behind Greece’s economic recovery. Tourism
brings in revenues and means more jobs. For these reasons, several measures
aiming to restructure, improve and boost the Greek tourism should be taken by
the country’s policy makers. These measures include: enhancement of alternative
forms of tourism, like agro tourism and religious tourism to encourage visitors to
come all year round; protection and management of the environment; creation of
quality infrastructure; development of synergies with other sectors and branches
of the economy; boost of competitiveness through a tourism product that offers
quality and value for money. Moreover, tourism can become the Greek
government’s tool, in the effort to achieve its social and environmental policy
targets.

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