2024 was a year of new tourism records for the Algarve
The Algarve broke several regional tourism records in 2024, from guest numbers and airport passengers to the number of golf rounds.
In 2024, the Algarve set a new record for guests, with hotels and other accommodation units welcoming 5.2 million visitors. The previous record had been set in 2023 when the Algarve welcomed 5.1 million guests, says the Algarve tourism board (RTA).
Faro’s Gago Coutinho Airport also celebrated a record year, moving an unprecedented 9.8 million passengers – a 2% year-on-year increase, achieved thanks to increases among British (4.4 million passengers, +0.3%), German (1.13 million, +9.7%) and Irish (967,000, +7.9%) passengers.
The Algarve’s world-renowned golf courses also contributed to the tourism boom, with a record-breaking 1.46 million rounds played in 2024 – an increase of 5% compared to the previous year. The peak months for golf enthusiasts were October (179,000 rounds), April (162,000), and March (153,000).
“Algarve tourism is breaking records again, establishing itself as Portugal’s main tourism destination,” RTA says in a statement.
According to the tourism board, the 5.2 million guest count marks a 2.6% increase from the previous year, highlighting the Algarve’s growing appeal among Portuguese visitors, which increased by 1.3%, while the number of foreign visitors saw an even greater boost of 3%.
The trend was also reflected in overnight stays, which reached 20.7 million – a 1.9% rise compared to 2023. While still slightly below the pre-pandemic record of 20.9 million, the Algarve remains Portugal’s leading region for overnight stays, RTA points out. Meanwhile, occupancy rates in tourist accommodations also saw a slight +0.5 percentage point increase, reaching 58.6%.
Additionally, the Algarve maintained its position as Portugal’s second-longest stay destination, with an average duration of 3.95 nights per visitor, just behind Madeira.
RTA boss André Gomes attributed the record-breaking success to the region’s diverse offerings, stating: “The Algarve is one of the most complete tourist destinations in Europe.”
He added that the numbers show that tourists “trust” in the Algarve and are proof of the “positive impact” that the tourism industry has on the regional and national economy.
