The Easter Season brings tourist overflow to Portugal

This Easter Season had an occupancy rate of 90%, and regions like the Algarve, Porto, and Lisbon remain the most sought-after destinations in the foreign market. The climate, gastronomy, and natural beauty are some of the reasons that attract tourists at this time of year.  

The first tourist outflow of 2023 began early this year, with the Easter vacations in April. The country’s tourism wave has registered a 90% rate within the hospitality sector., meaning a significant increase compared to 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic.

In February, the president of the Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies and Tourism (APAVT) had already announced that Easter reservations were above expectations, in a "certainly double-digit" growth, with more available supply and at higher prices.

One of the most popular sunniest destinations sought-out by foreign tourists was Algarve which, this month alone, counted more than 1 million tourists to the region, a number that contributed positively to the local economy. Lisbon and Porto also shared the tourist demand for this time of the year, with the Spanish market leading tourism percentages in the major Portuguese cities.

In spite of the 20% increase in the accommodation rate, Porto City achieved a 100% occupancy rate in several hotel units and a large concentration of tourists in the region. One of the municipality's main goals for this year is to reach more than 6 million tourists visiting the city and Northern Portugal. 

Lisbon maintains its place in the ranking as one of the most desirable destinations by the international market, for its gastronomy, history, and climate. During the Easter season, the city recorded a 90% hotel occupancy rate and registered a boost of religious tourists passing through the Portuguese Capital.

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