According to data released by the Algarve's hotels association AHETA, the average occupancy rate last December was 39.9%, 2.3% above 2016.
It was Portuguese holidaymakers that contributed the most to this welcome increase, up 3.2 percentage points. The Spanish, German and Dutch markets registered significant increases, while the British market presented the biggest fall with a drop of 3.6 percentage points.
The hot-spot was Tavira, up 8.4% and Vilamoura-Quarteira-Quinta do Lago, up 6.7%. Albufeira, the region’s tourist engine, registered a rise of 4.0%.
Areas that saw a decline in holidaymakers booking into their hotels were Monte Gordo-Vila Real de Santo António, down 10.5% and Faro-Olhão, down 8.0%.
The association believes that "the increase in employment this month was mainly due to increased holiday demand from nationals and the fact that the year had an extended weekend."
