The prospects for tourist occupation for Easter in the Algarve are “very good”, with a level of occupation that can go to 80%, greater than 2024, said the president of the largest hotel association in the region.
“Reserves are above last year [nesta altura]and our perspective is very positive for Easter, ”the president of the Algarve Hotels and Tourism Enterprises (Aheta) told the Lusa agency.
Helder Martins indicated that, according to a poll made to members, the average occupation level of the southern tourist units should reach 70 or 80%.
The main clients, according to this tourist entrepreneur, are, as traditional, the Portuguese, followed by the usual English, Irish and Germans.
According to Hélder Martins, the Americans, who in recent years have increased their interest in Portugal, should arrive later, from May, also influenced by the increase of flight supply at that time.
The president of Aheta does not hide that the good perspectives are influenced by the fact that Easter this year celebrates later than usual, with Holy Friday on April 18, with higher probability of higher temperatures.
According to Helder Martins, “Hospitality has increased prices by 3 to 4%”, but, as usual, businessmen in the sector will adapt to the search for their service.
“This is as in aviation, if demand increases prices go up and decrease, they will lower,” said the president of, adding that tourists are no longer marking many months in advance, as in the past.
Helder Martins also said that there are many people who reserve in January, especially foreigners, when aviation companies and hotels campaign, “sometimes very aggressive.”
But, according to the official, there are also those who only set aside at the last moment, “on the time”, sometimes the same day, taking advantage of ‘Last Minute’ prices.
“Nowadays people see the latest opportunities on the computer and consult several ‘websites’ before they make a reservation,” said Helder Martins.
On the other hand, the entrepreneur is convinced that the current political crisis, with legislative elections scheduled for May 18, will not have an impact on the decision of tourists to move to the Algarve.
“The elections, in my opinion, as last time, will be competed in television, with leaders to travel one day to the Algarve to campaign, but that has no impact on people coming,” he said.
Hélder Martins goes further and even perspects a good summer for this year.
“Compared to last year’s level of reservations, we are above all indicators, including reserves for the summer peak,” he concluded.
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