Despite differing views on the overall impact of the event on the sector, hotel representatives commonly believe that the city’s hotels benefit the most from the event.
The Web Summit kicks off in Lisbon on Monday, with more than 900 speakers and 70,000 participants, as reported by the event’s organizers, with a continued focus on artificial intelligence (AI).
Cristina Siza Vieira, executive vice-president of the Portuguese Hotel Association (AHP), noted that, as in previous years, “most Web Summit participants concentrate in Lisbon, with surrounding areas experiencing only residual effects.”
Although specific data for this year is not yet available, she recalled that the “Web Summit 2024 Balance” survey, conducted by AHP, showed an average hotel occupancy rate in Lisbon during the event week last year of 88%, one percentage point higher than in 2023.
She remarked, “Despite a slight moderation in demand, the city maintained a solid performance during Europe’s largest technology event.”
This moderation is echoed by Grupo Hoti, which owns several hotels in Lisbon, noting a shorter stay duration among participants this year.
CEO Miguel Proença stated, “Hotel occupancy in Lisbon is quite high during the Web Summit, but increasingly limited to the event’s dates, with less activity observed before and after the event. Although occupancy remained at peak demand for the four days of the event, the 10 days usually boosted by the event have seen about a 15% drop in average occupancy this year.”
The Grupo Vila Galé in Lisbon reported “almost 100%” occupancy, according to Marketing and Sales Director Pedro Ribeiro.
The occupancy at Ópera increased “by 5%” compared to 2024, he added.
Hotel managers acknowledge that the Web Summit raises room prices, though Grupo Hoti points out that cooling demand outside the main event days tempers the overall impact.
Miguel Proença mentioned that “the event naturally boosts the average hotel room prices in the city” but highlighted that “over the traditionally impacted 10 days, average values were around 150 euros in the past two years, and this loss of momentum on adjacent days brings an expected 20% decline.”
Pedro Ribeiro indicated a 5% rate increase at Vila Galé Ópera compared to 2024.
The AHP reminded that in 2024, the average room rate (ARR) reached 221 euros, a 4% increase from the previous year, with the 2025 review expected after the event’s conclusion.
In terms of guest profiles during these days, there is a notable international, especially European, presence, predominantly from tech and business professionals.
Cristina Siza Vieira, the head of the leading association representing the sector, noted the traditional presence of professionals from the UK, Portugal, and Spain and the growing number from the US in recent years.
Miguel Proença noted that while still noticeable, the US showed a “weaker response this year.” The chain instead saw stronger representation from Ireland, France, the UK, Brazil, India, and Canada.
Vila Galé, without specifics, highlighted guests from European and Brazilian markets.
Several hotel groups and units were contacted for input by the news agency, but further responses were not available in time.
