Americans continue to flock to Portugal, now ranking just behind UK in terms of guest numbers at tourist accommodation establishments
The boom of American tourists in Portugal is continuing in 2024, with the number of US guests at Portuguese hotels and tourist accommodation units reaching just over one million in the first half of the year, right behind the UK.
According to the national statistics institute (INE), Portuguese tourist accommodation establishments welcomed a whopping 1,039,354 travellers from the US between January and June 2024, just slightly below the 1,158,937 guests from the UK. No other country surpassed the one-million-mark in the first six months of the year.
To put the numbers into perspective, the number of US tourists staying at Portuguese tourist accommodation establishments between January and June 2022 was just over 584,000, meaning the number has nearly doubled in just two years. The number has also increased around 15% compared to the first half of 2023, when over 902,000 US tourists stayed at national tourist accommodation units.
In terms of overnight stays, however, the USA is still just the fifth largest market, with 2.35 million overnight stays registered in the first half of the year, behind the UK, Germany, Spain and France.
“Portugal offers something new” to American tourists
With the number of Americans seeking Portugal growing significantly every year, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) has decided to host its annual meeting in Portugal.
In an interview with tourism newspaper Publituris, USTOA president Terry Dale explained that the growth of the American market in Portugal is set to continue even more significantly in 2024.
“Portugal has so many wonderful things to offer American travellers, from its rich culture and heritage to its amazing food and wine. There is nature and beaches, as well as historical sites and vibrant cities. Europe remains at the top of the popularity list among the clients of our tour operators, and Portugal offers something new for those who have already experienced other parts of Europe,” Dale told Publituris. “Portugal has also become a highly sought-after destination for river cruises, a market segment that continues to grow in popularity among the members of our tour operators,” he added.
“From the mild year-round climate to the awareness that the country is one of the most affordable in Europe, Portugal has a range of attributes that make it as attractive as any other in the region. The flourishing culinary scene, the warm and welcoming people, and the unique Portuguese traditions and culture offer new and singular experiences for visitors,” explained the USTOA boss, who also highlighted the importance of having direct air links and easy paths between North America and Portugal.
While the launch of the first direct air link between the US and the Algarve, more specifically between Newark and Faro, was delayed by United Airlines, all signs point to it being inaugurated next year.
By MICHAEL BRUXO
