Just as tourism bosses were predicting, the flood of holidaymakers to the Algarve this year is taking on the proportions of a veritable tsunami.
Sources in the bookings sector say Easter could see hotels “close to 100%” capacity, while the summer season could be filled by May.
It’s just another consequence of nationals waking up to the fact that they can save money by pre-booking holidays, Agência Abreu is quoted as telling Dinheiro Vivo.
The Algarve, Madeira and the Azores remain top national destinations, with cruises high in popularity – and some bookings going in to 2018.
Looking at the overall picture, DV says Portuguese ‘early bird’ planners are also looking at other destinations (Cape Verde, Brazil, Disneyland Paris, even Marrakesh). But the Algarve is still ‘top of the pops’.
Travelport – the company that owns the booking system used by “around 90% of Portuguese holiday agencies” – says bookings this year have increased by an average of 11%.
Sales manager Nelson Almeida said there has been so much interest that “by May it’s likely that the Algarve will be full for the summer”, while operators are already selling October and 2018.
Elidérico Viegas, head of Algarve hoteliers association AHETA, agrees, adding that he is hoping to see hotels close to 100% full for Easter this year.
All that’s needed as we approach the holiday rush is the weather… and that is looking good as we approach April.
