International barometer predicts increase in number of tourists/ revenue
Professionals in the tourism sector anticipate a promising summer for Portugal, with international demand – led by the United States – growing more than domestic demand.
The news comes in the form of the latest IPDT Tourism Barometer, released today.
Seven out of 10 respondents believe “the international market will see an increase in the number of tourists, overnight stays, revenue and revenue per available room (RevPar) in the coming months”, according to the 71st edition of the Tourism Barometer drawn up by the IPDT – the Institute for Tourism Planning and Development.
The inquiry, carried out between March 26 and April 2 this year, also shows that the North American market will lead the growth of the main source markets for tourists, as seen in previous editions.
As for the evolution of the domestic market, the barometer predicts an increase in tourist receipts and RevPar.
The average level of confidence in the tourism market reached 84.2 points in March this year, the second highest figure since April 2016.
The last six editions of the Tourism Barometer show a growth in the indicator and a recovery in the level of confidence in the sector in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic – and since the May 2022 edition the confidence level has been above 80 points.
Despite the change in government generating “some uncertainty”, as well as the “international war context”, panellists are confident about the growth in demand, especially from foreign markets.
In addition, professionals surveyed are confident that the choice of holidaymakers this summer will fall mainly on “Sun and Sea”, followed by “Gastronomy and Wines”. The category “Culture” comes in 3rd place.
Based on the panel’s input, a “TOP 5” of priorities to be considered by the new government was compiled, with over 60% of professionals identifying tax relief as priority No.1.
According to the Tourism Barometer, four out of 10 members emphasised the need for a government decision on the location of Lisbon’s new airport.
The “number of people employed”, “external tourist demand” and “tourism activity” are indicators with the greatest upward trend, according to the study.
The “optimistic scenario” for the labour market and the tourism sector will “contribute positively” to the growth of the domestic economy, it adds.
On the other hand, “public investment” is expected to decrease in coming months, with 80% of those surveyed believing that this indicator could maintain or even decrease its performance.
The barometer shows that eight out of 10 respondents believe the North American market will increase its share of the tourist market in Portugal this summer.
Accompanying this perception of “marked growth” are the markets of Canada, Brazil and Spain.
The Japanese and Italian markets, for their part, are expected to maintain a similar performance to the same period last year, while in the case of the German market 30% of the professionals surveyed foresee the possibility of a slight decrease.
LUSA
