Even with prices and inflation to be attended by, the Portuguese are not stopping travel. The interest in discovering international destinations remains strong, and the latest data show that tourism abroad continues to gain supporters. Summer vacation and short -lived escapes reflect this trend, even before higher costs.
Despite economic uncertainties, travel agencies and tour operators record a constant demand. This phenomenon suggests that traveling on vacation has become a priority for many Portuguese, either by leisure or for the search for different experiences than the country offers, confirming a change in consumer habits in the tourism sector.
Search for foreigners
According to the Diário de Notícias, the demand for foreigners increased by about 20% during the summer, compared to 2024. Pedro Costa Ferreira, president of the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT), considers that “the Portuguese are traveling more, even with inflation to weighing costs”, signaling a more mature and resilient market.
The National Institute of Statistics registered 710.5 thousand trips out of the country in the first quarter, a growth of 18.5% compared to the same period. Among the most sought after destinations stand out Brazil, Cape Verde, Madeira and Azores, but there is also an increase in interest in more distant and luxury places, such as Dubai, Japan and Thailand, according to APAVT.
Who travels and why
The travelers’ profile shows clear patterns. Families with greater financial capacity and children without children or children already independent are the ones who most seek short escapes, often adjusted to the school calendar. This group privileges experiences that combine comfort and leisure moments, without compromising the budget too much.
Pedro Costa Ferreira explains that, in addition to families, there is a growing search for higher value trips. This segment follows the trend of other consumer sectors, where exclusive and luxury experiences are gaining prominence, confirming that economic capacity directly influences the choice of destination and type of travel.
Prices and impacts on the sector
The increase in costs in aviation, hotel and labor has not been looking for demand. Some operators maintain last year’s level billings, while others record 15%growth. Promotional campaigns on charter flights have helped mitigate the impact of inflation, even allowing certain packages to become more affordable.
The resilience of the sector demonstrates that there is an adaptability in the face of price oscillations. Even at higher costs, the diversity of offers allows Portuguese tourists to adjust their choices according to the planned budget for their vacation.
Favorite destinations and internal tourism
Summer revealed preference for destinations such as the Caribbean, followed by Cape Verde, Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Italy, Croatia and Albania. These places continue to lead the choice of long -haul trips, while closer escapadinhas keep looking stable, offering a variety of experiences that fit different budgets.
Despite international demand, domestic tourism remains robust. It represents about 30% of the vacations held in Portugal, especially the Algarve, Madeira, Azores, Alentejo, Centro, Porto and North. According to Pedro Costa Ferreira, the panorama is of complementarity between internal and external trips, allowing both markets to prosper.
Diversity keeps the market growing
The wide offer of tour packages ensures that the sector will continue to grow. As it says, it is possible to travel abroad spending less than in Portugal, but there are also those who choose more expensive and exclusive experiences, adapting to their expectations and economic conditions.
For the president of APAVT, this diversification is essential. It maintains the market dynamic, ensures continuous growth and allows Portuguese to find travel solutions for their holidays, suitable for all tastes, reinforcing the internationalization tendency of national tourism.
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