The recent dynamic surge in the American tourism market directed towards Portugal should give rise to greater concern, as potential inflation and recession in the U.S. by the year’s end could hinder the growth of this vital market for Portugal, according to Pedro Costa Ferreira, president of APAVT, in a written statement.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced new tariffs on all imports, imposing additional levies on countries deemed particularly hostile to trade.
For the European Union, these new American tariffs of 20% on imported goods are in addition to previous tariffs of 25% affecting the automobile, steel, and aluminum sectors.
APAVT expressed worries over the possible consequences of this measure, which could accelerate inflation and even trigger economic downturns, leading to reduced global consumption and a decline in worldwide tourism numbers.
When asked about the impact of political instability in the U.S. and new border control policies on the interest of Portuguese tourists in visiting the U.S., Pedro Costa Ferreira indicated it is too early for definitive comments. He noted, however, that the timing of the year currently reflects few reservations from the Portuguese market for the U.S.
“However, if political instability persists and anti-globalization policies continue, it is likely that we will see fewer Portuguese tourists traveling to the U.S. this year,” emphasized the president of APAVT.
Agency Abreu, a major travel operator, acknowledged experiencing a “slight decline in travelers to the U.S..”
“Any restrictions on the free movement of people and a feeling of insecurity impact every travel destination, and the U.S. is no exception,” noted the travel agency.
Other major travel agencies contacted did not provide a response as of yet.
On March 26, Cristina Siza Vieira, executive vice president of the Portuguese Hotel Association (AHP), highlighted uncertainty about U.S. trade policy that will have global effects, including a likely decrease in U.S. tourist demand, which could be offset by domestic demand within Europe and other markets such as Asia.
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