Low occupancy levels in the Canaries during August 2012

The average occupancy levels in the Canaries during the month of August this year (2012) was 70%, during the last week of the month, it dropped to 60%. This is a significant drop when compared to the same month last year (August 2011) when occupancy levels reached 85% in the Canary Islands. Fernando Fraile, president of the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism (FEHT), said that the month previous month of July (2012) saw an acceptable level of occupancy in the islands, at around 75%, but August has been particularly bad, especially the last week of the month where the percentage of occupancy was reduced to 60%, a level not seen for more than ten years. According to Mr. Fraile, the low level of occupancy during August, one of the best months for National and local tourism, is due to a drop of over 12,000 domestic visitors (compared to 2011). Similar bad results are expected during September.