The Algarve enters high season with signs of strong tourist demand and prices that are still stable, despite rising energy costs and international uncertainty. The Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) guarantees that, for now, there are no widespread increases in accommodation or tourist entertainment, although it admits that this scenario could change if economic pressure continues.
According to the newspaper, the president of the RTA, André Gomes, states that the sector has managed to avoid increases in the final price to the consumer, despite the rise in operating costs. “There is no increase in prices in the Algarve compared to last year,” he said, explaining that this stability is the result of the efforts of businesspeople to maintain demand.
According to the same source, this strategy involves internally absorbing additional charges, mainly linked to fuels. Still, the person responsible admits that this solution may not be sustainable in the medium term. “Businesspeople are swallowing the costs, but later on an increase will be inevitable,” he said.
Rising demand and sustained growth
Despite the pressures, the outlook for the summer remains positive. André Gomes states that the Algarve continues to record a slightly higher level of reserves than last year and anticipates moderate growth, without abrupt increases in demand.
According to the same source, the most recent data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) show that, in the first four months of the year, the region received 1.2 million guests and 4.4 million overnight stays, with growth also in tourist revenue, which rose 6.9% to 288 million euros.
Air transport and international markets boost region
Reinforced air links to Faro have helped sustain demand, with an additional 400,000 seats available this summer. New routes to cities such as Bucharest and Katowice are included, as well as the return of transatlantic connections.
André Gomes also highlights the growth of the North American and Canadian markets, highlighting that the region continues to attract international visitors, even in an unstable global context. The national market also maintains relevant weight, contradicting the idea of a possible drop in Portuguese interest in the destination.
The head of the RTA criticized TAP’s lack of investment in Faro, considering the lack of reinforcement comparable to that observed in other regions of the country “incomprehensible”. Even so, he recognizes the increase in some connections as positive, particularly from Funchal.
Debate over beaches adds tension to the sector
More recently, the discussion about the use of umbrellas on concession beaches generated opposition between regional entities and environmental authorities. The RTA considers that the issue creates unnecessary noise at a critical time for tourist activity.
“We are raising problems where they do not exist”, stated André Gomes, arguing that the practice has always been habitual and regulated locally. The State Environment Agency (APA), in turn, reminds us that the beaches are for public use and that occupation by concessions is subject to limits defined by law.
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