The Algarve is heading into this Easter weekend with high hopes thanks to strong hotel occupancy rates, which are expected to exceed 80% in many parts of the region.
According to Algarve tourism chief André Gomes, the outlook is largely positive, driven by the region’s reputation for safety, stability and quality.
“We are seeing occupancy rates above 80% in many municipalities across the region,” he told Jornal Económico, pointing in particular to high-demand areas such as Albufeira, Loulé and Portimão, where hotel capacity is highest.
The Easter boost is also being supported by the domestic market, which continues to play a key role. Portuguese travellers have shown steady interest in the Algarve, with recent figures indicating growth not just in visitor numbers but also in overall spending.
“There is strong demand from our main markets, especially the domestic market, which once again reinforces its importance for the Algarve,” Gomes said.
He added that bookings have picked up pace in recent weeks, reflecting a broader trend seen since the pandemic, with more travellers choosing to book closer to their departure dates.
“We have seen an acceleration in reservations over the last two weeks,” he noted, adding that many visitors are waiting longer before committing, often influenced by weather forecasts or last-minute deals.
Despite the strong outlook, there are concerns behind the scenes. Gomes warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could have indirect consequences for tourism, particularly if it leads to higher fuel prices.
“At the moment, I am more concerned about the potential effects of this war on fuel prices,” he said.
Rising costs could affect everything from flights to local transport, with a knock-on effect on tourism businesses and travellers alike. For now, some companies are absorbing these increases to avoid passing them on to customers.
“I still hear some business owners saying they are ‘absorbing the costs’, but if this situation continues, I don’t know how long they will be able to do that without increasing prices,” he explained.
