São Luís, Brazil, Hotels Register Lowest Occupancy Rates in Recent Years

On March 30, 2013, O Imparcial reported that hotel occupancy rates in the Brazilian city of São Luís have diminished to levels that have brought panic.  According to the president of the local hotel industry association, João Barros Filho, lower-than-average numbers since August 2012 fell to near crisis numbers during Carnaval.  Some hotels reported just 30% occupancy on average.  According to Barros, “São Luís has ceased to be a popular tourist destination for Brazilians.”  The report also cites that tourist traffic at the airport is down 12% from this time last year, and one businesswoman noted that her hotel has not received even one bus of tourists to take part in São Luís’ Holy Week celebrations.  Read Article