Tourism has provided Berlin with an incredibly important economic lifeline since reunification in 1990. Accordingly, the city has made providing accommodation for the growing number of visitors a top priority. The hospitality industry has stepped in with gusto, and since the mid 1990s has built a slew of bigger and better hotels in the centre of the city. There are now almost 600 hotels, guesthouses, pensions and hostels catering for the entire spectrum of tourists who visit Berlin. Prices are generally lower than in other big European cities. Occupancy reaches its peak in summer months, during big trade fairs, and around the New Year. The city offers accommodation information and booking on its website: www.berlin.de/english.