The Hotel Association of Colombia (Cotelco) revealed the occupancy rates that were recorded in the city of Medellín and eastern regions from January to November 2009. The report shows that compared to 2008, employment in that Latin American town fell by about 4%, registering a greater fall in the first half of this year, partly due to the economic crisis that the region experienced. This report was presented by Luis Fernando Toro Vélez, president of the executive board of Cotelco (Antioquia-Chocó Chapter), who also released the occupancy estimates for the collective holiday season that officially begins on December 15 and runs until January 15, 2010. The Association expects an occupancy close to 55%, which exceeds the 48% on average that was registered the previous year during this season.
At the press conference, the Association highlighted the increase in foreign tourists who visited that city during the year: 76,000 people from other countries have arrived in Medellín, compared to 28,000 in 2008.
Finally, Cotelco expects hotel occupancy in Medellín during 2010 to increase with the realization of the South American Games and the Flower Fair, events that will be held in the middle of the year.
