While hotel occupancy was down by four per cent in December compared to the same month in 2008, the news that is more likely to cause a stir in the tourist sector is the fact that 21.4 per cent less British stayed in tourist accommodation during that period, according to statistics released by the association for hotels and tourist developments in the Algarve (AHETA).
On a more positive note, more Spanish are choosing the Algarve for holidays, with our neighbours representing an increase of 30 per cent in what regards hotel occupancy, followed by national tourists with 12.1 per cent. The number of German nationals staying in tourism accommodation fell by 3.4 per cent.
Sagres, Monte Gordo in Vila Real de Santo António, Tavira and Albufeira recorded the greatest falls in occupancy rates compared with 2008. Vilamoura, Quarteira and Quinta do Lago registered the highest increase with 21.5 per cent more occupancy and Praia da Rocha in Portimão with a 13.4 per cent increase.
Faro and Olhão registered the highest level of hotel occupancy in the region in December with 33.5 per cent, while Sagres registered the lowest with 15.8 per cent.
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