Dependence on the Algarve in the face of foreign tourism remained high by 2024, with external markets representing 36.6% of non-residents in the region, according to preliminary data from the National Statistics Institute (INE).
The weight of international tourism in the Algarve reflects a national trend, with non -residents of non -residents representing 70.3% of the total in 2024, reaching the highest value since 2018.
Foreign Tourism dominates in the Algarve
According to INE, the Algarve was the most dependent region of the main foreign market, the United Kingdom, which represented 36.6% of non -resident overnight stays. In addition, 58.8% of foreign tourists in the region came from the three main external markets – the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands.
The Algarve and Madeira stood out as the regions with the greatest dependence on international markets, contrasting with other areas of the country where domestic tourism has the most weight, such as the Center and the Alentejo.
Industry growth in the Algarve
Algarve tourist establishments followed the industry’s growth at national level, which recorded 31.6 million guests and 80.3 million overnight in the country by 2024, an increase of 5.2% and 4%, respectively.
The British market continued to be the most relevant nationwide, with 18.1%of the total non-resident porch, followed by German markets (11.3%), Spanish (9.7%), American (9 , 2%) and French (8.0%).
The months of October and May were the periods when the presence of foreign tourists in the country was more significant, representing 75.5% and 75.3% of overnight in these months.
Already in August and December, the weight of domestic tourism increased, with the residents of residents representing 34.6% and 37.9% of the total, respectively.
Risks of dependence on external tourism
The strong dependence on the Algarve of International Tourism can pose risks to the regional economy, namely in situations of international crisis that affect tourists mobility.
The diversification of markets and the capture of new tourist segments can be fundamental strategies to reduce the sector’s vulnerability in the region. However, the data from confirming that foreign tourism remains the main engine of the Algarve economy, consolidating the region as one of the favorite destinations of international visitors.
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