The tourist traffic in Epirus is increasing, with the business activity rushing to keep up with the demand and respond to the needs of an always promising market.
Ioannina is doing well and is attracting more and more visitors. However, from time to time and depending on the circumstances, some serious problems that the city has in hospitality emerge, such as cleanliness, smog, traffic. Problems that may stop the tourist wave, at some point.
Also important is the issue of upgrading the tourist product that will enrich the travel experience. All of these are challenges. No city can rely solely on its natural or cultural comparative advantages. And of course, the residents of Ioannina cannot and should not be left out of the equation, for whom the bet is not to feel alienated or unwelcome in their own city for certain periods.
In the last two years, the rise of tourism has therefore led to a fairly intense construction activity for the accommodation of visitors.
Small hotels, furnished apartments, luxury residences have been erected in various areas of the city. Within three years, from 2021 to 2023, the beds have increased by 1100. According to the record made by the EOT of Ioannina, throughout the Municipality of Ioannina, there are currently over 6000 beds, with 180 businesses operating . It should be noted that these figures do not refer to short-term rental properties, i.e. airbnbs that are managed by private individuals, and where there is also a boom.
From the analysis of the data, it appears that the city of Ioannina (the old Municipality of Ioannina) currently has approximately 4,837 beds – 900 beds more than in 2020.
Most new units were created in 2023 – 338 beds from 26 companies.
These units have been built not only in the usual suspect, touristic, areas, such as in the commercial or traditional center or near the lake, but also in unpopular places, even for the people of Gianni. As is Kaloutsiani. An area that is a stone’s throw from the center, but degraded for decades.
Outside the city, an area that is rising is Neochoropoulos where five or six hotel companies are active. In total, in this area, there are 162 beds.
The most dynamic area in beds, outside the city, remains Perama. Perama has over 600 beds. The vast majority of units, however, are many years old, going back to the 90s.
Neighboring Amphithea has 182 beds and Ligiades 120 beds. Hotel units also exist in Neokaisarea (76 beds) and Pedini (91 beds).
