The President of the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA), André Gomes, and the President of the Algarve Hotel and Tourist Enterprises Association (AHETA), Hélder Martins, expressed their optimism regarding the end-of-year bookings. They noted that the current reservation dynamics indicate a positive outlook.
“Our perspective is to continue the sustained and sustainable growth we have observed throughout the year. The expectations are positive, […] with a higher level of reservations for the Christmas and New Year periods than at the end of last year,” stated André Gomes.
He emphasized the “strong performance” of the region’s tourism activity in the third quarter, including the summer period, noting a 2% increase in guests, a 0.5% rise in overnight stays, and nearly a 7% increase in revenue, highlighting the significant contribution of the domestic market. The national market plays a critical role during New Year’s Eve as well.
André Gomes mentioned this contribution countered the perception that the Algarve is too expensive for Portuguese tourists, maintaining its growth trajectory in key sector indicators from January to September.
While official October numbers are unavailable, Gomes remarked on a “very positive” month for businesses. He also pointed out the region hosted the MotoGP Grand Prix in early November, attracting 183,000 people.
“This leads us to believe we might close the year on a strong note,” he stated, noting that with January 1 falling on a Thursday, many Portuguese could extend their holidays and, with good weather, choose the region for New Year celebrations.
Hélder Martins, AHETA President, shared with Lusa that hoteliers have “better expectations than last year, partly because the weekend this year is more generous, allowing for a four-day stay.”
He noted that while the AHETA survey on projected occupancy remains ongoing, preliminary findings show increased early bookings compared to late 2024.
“Those with year-end accommodation and entertainment packages are seeing much higher bookings than last year,” Martins reported.
He highlighted the significant efforts by many municipalities to create New Year’s Eve programs, such as Loulé’s concert with Xutos e Pontapés in Quarteira, and Albufeira’s planned performance by the Portuguese band Silence 4.
“There’s a lot of last-minute booking activity, with people deciding to travel depending on the weather between Christmas and New Year, but those wanting a fully organized experience have already booked,” Martins added.
He also mentioned that some hotels have developed their own accommodation and entertainment programs. For instance, a venue in Vilamoura, Loulé, offers about a thousand spots for New Year’s celebrations, with “three or four different New Year’s Eve options.”
This represents a “significant” offering, and these larger hotels are “exceeding” the 2024 values, with more early reservations made in advance, he concluded.
