Algarve Sees Increase in Tourist Figures and Hosts International Tourism Event

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Dutch and British tourists are the two groups of foreign visitors that register the highest increase in travels to the Algarve region, Algarve Hotels and Resorts Association (AHETA) reported.

According to the official statistics, the number of tourists from the Netherlands increased 12.5 percent in September 2012, in comparison to figures for the same month of 2011. The number of British visitors went up by 3.2 percent.

A major decrease was noted in the number of visitors from Spain. The trend has been ongoing, reaching a drop of 21.1 percent in September.

Statistics were also provided about the hotel occupancy rates for September 2012. Albufeira with its numerous facilities and tourism developments tops the chard, according to the figures presented by Associação de Hotéis e Empreendimentos Turísticos do Algarve. The city registered an 82.3 percent overall hotel occupancy rate.

Albufeira is also featured among the leaders in the hotels occupancy rate increase with its 4.6 percent. Lagos/Sagres tops the chart with an overall occupancy rate increase of 7.6 percent during the month of consideration.

Tourists were mostly drawn to four-star hotel offers. These accommodation facilities had the highest occupancy rate of 83 percent. Five-star hotels had the worst performance with a 69 percent occupancy rate. The figures are impressive in comparison to the average international occupancy rates. According to the official statistics presented, the global rate was 76 percent in September 2012.

Figures about foreign tourist visits and hotel occupancy rates were announced while Algarve hosted a major tourism summit on October 6. Conrad Algarve resort became the scene of an event organized by the World Travel Awards (WTA). A number of internationally acknowledged tourism experts attended the ceremony, which highlighted the achievements of major entities and professionals in the niche.

The awards are provided on the basis of votes by different professionals in the tourism sector. They acknowledge accomplishments from the past year that deserve to be honored by WTA.

Algarve plays a vital role for the tourism in the region, thus significantly contributing to the Portuguese economy. WTA vice-president Chris Frost said during the opening ceremony. The luxury of the facilities and the beauty of the coastline determine Algarve as one of the most interesting places to visit.

WTA praised the Portuguese tourism sector in general. Local entities and facilities received 12 of the awards. Portugal was named Europe’s best golf destination and Algarve became Europe’s most prominent beach tourism destination. Algarve Tourism Board president Antonio Pina received the awards.

Hosting the WTA event is a unique opportunity for Algarve, Pina said. It gives local tourism a chance to gain popularity worldwide and to distinguish Algarve as a first-class, luxurious tourism destination.

Portugal’s Bairro Alto Hotel in Lisbon, Ela Clark boutique hotel and Almancil’s Dunas Douradas Beach Club were other Portuguese facilities to be awarded during the gala ceremony. Marinthal Beach Resort and Hotel became Europe’s best villa resort.

Angel Peninsula Hotel in Turkey was named Europe’s best new luxury hotel. Thompson and Cruise.co.uk became the best tourism agency on the content. Sky Airlines and EasyJet received distinctions for best charter airline and low cost carrier, respectively.

WTA’s gala event in Algarve is part of the organization’s global search for the best tourism brands. WTA has carried out similar events in different parts of the world. A grand finale will take place in India’s New Delhi on December 12, 2012.


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Published in: Business / Travel