Hotel occupancy in the Algarve this March compared to last, was down 2.2 percentage points to 55%, according to the latest analysis from AHP Tourism MonitorsThe monthly report from the Associação de Hotelaria de Portugal (AHP) said this fall was "very probably" due to the bad weather during the month, the second rainiest March since 1931 and the coldest in the last 18 years.
The average price per room averaged €78 nationally, 16% higher than in the same period in 2017, and was € 59 in the Algarve, 15% higher than in the same period of 2017.
According to the Algarve Tourism Association, the Algarve is becoming popular with US tourists as they switch from their traditional European destinations such as Spain, France and Italy.
The ATA recently attended the Global Travel Marketplace West, an event that brings together North America's top travel agents with tourism destination representatives from around the world.
The ATA recently attended the Global Travel Marketplace West, an event that brings together North America's top travel agents with tourism destination representatives from around the world.
Among the motivators for Americans to visit Portugal were the beaches and landscapes of the Algarve, good climate, heritage and gastronomy, together with security, authenticity and good value for money, stated ATA which is responsible for promoting the Algarve in foreign markets.
In 2017, the number of American tourists was up 29% on the year before, but from a low start point.
