Algarve’s overall occupancy level during January was 22.4%, down by 7.6% in comparison to the same month in 2010, making it the worst recorded in the last 17 years, according to data accumulated by AHETA, the region’s hotels and tourist resorts association.
The most significant decreases were from the national and British markets, with -41% and -13% respectively. However, Dutch tourists were up by 44%.
Geographically, the Portimão-Praia da Rocha (-46%) and Faro-Olhão (-26%) areas registered the highest falls, while occupancy rises were reported in Lagos-Sagres (9.7%), Vilamoura-Quarteira-Quinta do Lago (3.5%) and Tavira (2.9%).
Albufeira, Algarve’s favoured tourist destination, recorded a 6.2% increase in January on the same month last year.
The area registering the highest occupancy rate was Monte Gordo-Vila Real de Santo António with 54.1%, while Lagos-Sagres saw the lowest rate with 15.2%.
Four and five star accommodation recorded the highest decreases in guests, -25%, followed by two star hotel units and aparthotels with -16.3%.
Guests were up by 1.7% at three star accommodation, which also registered the highest occupancy level, 28.7%, while four and five star units had the lowest rate with 13%.
Total business volume was down 10.5% on last year.
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