Algarve hotels are expecting more guests for this New Year’s weekend than last year. So says Elidérico Viegas, president of the Algarve’s largest hotelier association AHETA.
He told Lusa news agency that the positive forecast is due mainly to Portuguese holidaymakers.
“The improvement of Portuguese people’s living conditions, with a larger ability to spend a bit more than in recent years, could lead to an increase in demand in the region,” Viegas said.
Another encouraging fact is that New Year’s Day (January 1) is on a Monday, meaning people will be able to enjoy a long weekend. However, forecasts could be even better, Viegas explained.
“Hotel occupation levels may not reach 100%, mainly due to the drop that we have registered in the British market due to Brexit,” he said.
But the decrease is not enough to have a significant impact on the region, which the hotel sector boss says remains a “destination of excellence for New Year’s”.
“The Algarve is the region that identifies the most with New Year parties and which is better prepared to welcome people this time of year.”
Tourism boss Desidério Silva also said that the feedback he has received from hoteliers is that 2017 will be a better year than 2016 in terms of bookings for New Year’s.
“The region is on a roll, its image is good, which makes people want to spend New Year’s here.”
