Data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) shows that the Algarve’s tourism sector grew in the first half of 2019 in terms of revenue (+7.9%, reaching a total of €431 million), guests (+9.3%, 2.1 million) and overnight stays (+3.3%, 8.6 million) compared to the same period last year.
The growth was fuelled by increases in both the national and foreign markets, with more Portuguese and foreign tourists enjoying holidays in the Algarve.
Of particular importance was the increase of British holidaymakers (+6.8%). In fact, data shows that Brits accounted for the most overnight stays in the Algarve (2.6 million) by foreigners, more than Germany (833,700) and the Netherlands (603,300).
There have also been increases in the Italian, Brazilian and American markets, according to INE.
Algarve tourism boss João Fernandes is delighted about the growing tourism numbers, which he says are “positive, especially because they show that profit is increasing more than the demand”.
“Thanks to a joint effort, we have been able to maintain a good performance from the British market despite the uncertainty of Brexit. But we were also able to grow in important markets such as Brazil and the USA, which shows the efficiency of market diversification,” Fernandes added.
Photo: BRUNO FILIPE PIRES/OPEN MEDIA GROUP
