The number of international journalists and tour operators interested in visiting the Algarve and learning more about the region has “increased exponentially” since the start of the year, reports the Algarve tourism association (ATA).
Forty-eight press trips to the Algarve took place between January and June 2022, almost the same number registered during the entirety of 2019 – the last year before the global outbreak of Covid-19.
From journalists, photographers and videographers to bloggers and influencers, a total of 102 people visited the Algarve in the first half of this year from several of the region’s usual markets such as the UK, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Italy, France and Belgium.
There was also interest from Northern European markets (Sweden, Denmark and Norway) as well as markets outside of Europe, such as USA, Brazil and United Arab Emirates.
Interest from international tour operators is also on the rise. ATA organised 10 fam (familiarisation) trips to the Algarve in the first half of 2022, having brought 72 tour operators to the region – a number which ATA expects will treble by the end of the year.
Explains the association, these fam trips allow tour operators to get to know the Algarve in person and see what makes it a “unique destination”.
The rising interest in the Algarve does not surprise ATA president João Fernandes.
“Except for when we were totally confined, we never stopped organising initiatives with the press and international operators, also as a result of the strategy we implemented to maintain the destination’s great reputation even during the pandemic,” said Fernandes.
He admitted, however, that the tourism sector’s swift recovery is “surpassing our best expectations”.
“Apart from our beaches – which continue to be one of the main reasons for visiting our region – we seek to showcase other attractions and surprise visitors with the diversity and wealth of what the Algarve has to offer,” said the tourism chief.
Journalists and tour operators have shown a particular interest in nature and sports tourism – particularly activities such as hiking, sailing, surf, diving and cycling.
According to Fernandes, these sectors – along with “gastronomy, wine, culture and, of course, the region’s authenticity” – help establish the Algarve as a year-round destination, thus combating desertification in inland areas as well as seasonality.
ATA also participated in 15 “strategically selected” international events, where it promoted the region and its associates, and was involved in around 70 marketing campaigns with tour operators and airlines operating in the Algarve.
The association also celebrated a new milestone in the first half of 2022, having reached a record number of 398 associates.
“We are committed to getting more and more companies involved in this common goal of promoting this destination, our biggest asset,” said Fernandes.
“We would like to see all working together to consolidate the Algarve as an inspiring and authentic destination.”
