Algarve’s overall occupancy level during December 2012 was 23.2%, representing a slight increase (+1.1%) on the same month in 2011, making it the third worst December recorded in the last 16 years.
According to data accumulated by AHETA, the region’s hotels and tourist resorts association, the most significant decreases were from the national and German markets, with -0.8% and -0.4% respectively. However, British and Dutch tourists were up by 1.8% and 0.3% respectively.
Geographically, the Portimão-Praia da Rocha (-2.6%) area registered the highest fall, while occupancy rises were reported in Carvoeiro/Armação de Pêra (+3.4%) and Albufeira (+2.2%)
The area registering the highest occupancy rate was Monte Gordo-Vila Real de Santo António with 44.9%, while Lagos-Sagres saw the lowest rate with 13.9%.
Five star hotels and aparthotels recorded the highest decreases in guests, -3%.
Guests were up by 2.6% at five and four star tourist complexes and apartments and a rise of 2.3% was recorded at three star hotels and aparthotels, which also registered the highest occupancy level, 33.6%. Five star units had the lowest occupancy rate with 15.7%.
Total business volume was up by 1.4% on last year.
