Algarve has reservations for Easter and Summer beyond 2023

The level of reservations for Easter and summer, in the Algarve, is «above that seen in the same period last year», revealed this Thursday, February 29th, André Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Region. 

The person in charge was speaking to journalists, on the sidelines of an RTA presentation at the Lisbon Tourism Exchange (BTL) which runs until this Sunday, March 3, at the Lisbon International Fair (FIL).

According to André Gomes, the prospects for the tourist year in the Algarve are «very positive».

«Despite the challenges and uncertainties, expectations are very good for what is one of the main tourist destinations in the world», he added.

Asked whether it will be possible to break “new records”, André Gomes did not want to “anticipate” scenarios.

In 2023, the Algarve registered 5,1 million guests and 20,4 million overnight stays, adding profits from 1592 milhões de euros.

«Apparently, in 2024, we are heading in the same direction. Not even on purpose, today [yesterday] the January results came out and it was with great appreciation that we saw an increase in overnight stays: 1,9% more guests and 2,1% more overnight stays also compared to the same period last year", said the president from the RTA.

And won't this growth forecast bring problems to a sector – tourism – that finds itself struggling with a lack of labor?

André Gomes guaranteed that the region will be “prepared for this increase in tourists”.

«We are structuring our offer and it is no coincidence that we see more investment in the region, in new tourist infrastructures, establishments, with sustainability concerns», he defended.

One of the secrets will also be to continue to blur the “seasonality issue”.

«It is very important to create reasons to visit the region that are possible to experience throughout the year, such as nature tourism, then the events segment, congresses. As they occur 90% outside of high season, they allow us to create new motivations for visiting the region and bring dynamism to companies in the Algarve», said André Gomes.

Regarding the presence of the Algarve at BTL, the president of the RTA made a point of highlighting this year's «new stand» which «allows us to focus on our cultural identity, our traditions and the sustainability of our offer».