PORTUGAL INDUSTRY MAGAZINE The worst fears have proven unfounded and favourite holiday destinations across Portugal have all reported strong performances this year, and in some cases, occupancy levels have climbed by as much as ten percent. In addition, there were several reports this week that will further help to underline Portugal’s holiday-worthiness. This included Lisbon being listed as having the four best hostels in the world and Portimão port being earmarked for an investment of ten million euros to boost its capacity and allow for the docking of larger cruise ships at what is now the Algarve’s leading port city. Ongoing conflict in North Africa and the Middle East appears to have greatly assisted in the success of the current holiday season. Latest statistics show external demand has risen by around eight percent, which has helped in overcoming a drop in domestic tourism of around five percent, the Algarve Hotel Association (AHETA) revealed. In comments to TSF radio, AHETA chief Elidérico Viegas explained that the increase is largely the result of a boom from three traditional markets. “The United Kingdom - which is traditionally our main supplier of tourists – the Netherlands and Ireland, which, despite successive drops in previous years, have all this year already recorded a substantial increase on previous years.” Similar sentiments are shared by the National Travel Agents’ Association (APAVT). “How many sectors in Portugal can, in today’s times, say that this year will certainly be better than last?” questioned Pedro Costa Ferreira. “This is even more significant if we take into consideration that the Spanish market, which is absolutely vital to us, is still in a very complicated state”, he explained. Meanwhile, the Portugal’s Hoteliers’ Association (AHP) revealed this week that almost 70 percent of the accommodation provided by its members had been occupied in May, which equals a year-on-year increase of ten percent. These increases were mostly due to strong performances in Madeira and Fátima. The latter saw occupancy rates soaring by 18 percent, while Madeira’s hotel guests climbed by 14 percent. More importantly, the average cost of a hotel room in Portugal also rose, climbing 1.74 percent to €65.43. Total receipts per room available in May were €67.42, up almost 11 percent on the year. While current news in the tourism industry is positive, the outlook for the future is also optimistic with Lisbon recently being highlighted as the best hostel destination in the world, while Portimão is preparing to welcome more and bigger cruise liners. Booking site Hostelworld revealed this week in its annual ‘Hoscars’ – the Oscars of the global hostel industry – that the Yes! Lisbon Hostel, Home Hostel, Travellers House and Living Lounge Hostel are the best four hostels in the world. The Lisboa Central Hostel was also awarded eighth place in the small-hostel category. Meanwhile in the Algarve, in one of his first acts as new Economy Minister, Pires de Lima this week pledged 10 million euros of state funding for extensive upgrades to Portimão port over the coming four years. The main objective of this investment is to allow large-scale cruise ships to dock at the port, which has to date been impossible due to a need for dredging of the navigation channels and a tugboat. In 2013, seven cruise liners carrying 10,000 passengers were unable to dock in Portimão. Estimates by the Ministry of Economy are that Portimão will this year welcome 55 cruise-liners, nine of which will be making their maiden stop at the port, with a total of 35,000 passengers expected to set foot in the city.
Posted on: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 14:00:13 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015