The Algarve was awarded the “Best Summer Destination” award in the 2026 edition of the Irish Travel Industry Awards, in a ceremony held on January 22, in Dublin, which brought together the main professionals in the travel and tourism industry in Ireland.
According to the Algarve Tourism Association, the Algarve has “four victories in this category over the last few years – 2025, 2020, 2012 and 2011”, which consolidates “a strong and lasting position among the European destinations most valued by the Irish market”.
ATA highlights that the competition included “other reference destinations in southern Europe in the sun and sea segment, such as Costa del Sol, Greece, Lanzarote and Spain”, and the choice of the Algarve reflects “the consistent perception, on the part of Irish professionals in the sector, of the quality, diversity and attractiveness of the region’s tourist offer”.
The Irish market assumes, according to the association, “a particularly significant weight for the Algarve”. In 2024, the region concentrated “75.2% of overnight stays from Irish tourists who visited Portugal”, positioning Ireland as “the 3rd most relevant foreign market for the Algarve”. This pattern continued in 2025, with “74.8% of overnight stays” in the period between January and July.
For André Gomes, president of Turismo do Algarve, “the Irish market is a mature market, with purchasing power and consolidated travel habits, which recognizes the quality and diversity of the Algarve’s tourist offer”, adding that “this award reinforces this relationship and confirms that the region continues to respond to the expectations of a demanding and loyal public”.
It also highlights that this distinction, awarded by industry professionals in Ireland, “reinforces its reputation among the Irish public, giving the destination an additional advantage and competitive argument in promoting the region in the tourist channels of this market”.
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