Choices are no longer the same but tourism continues to smile

Easter remains a very important time for national tourism and even though Portuguese and foreigners have changed their preferences mainly from the height of the pandemic, the sector continues to have reasons to celebrate at this time and the numbers are getting better and better.

Lisbon: ‘almost complete occupation’

In Lisbon, Carla Salsinha, chairman of the Executive Committee of the Regional Tourism Entity of the Lisbon Region, says that since the pandemic « we have noticed a greater demand for nature and outdoor experiences that allow greater freedom of movements and direct contact with nature », highlighting pedestrian paths, cycling, water sports, wine tourism and walks. « Although Lisbon, as an aggregating pole, remains a quintessential destination point, for history and the emblematic places it offers, » he adds.

The official also adds that a change is noted by the preference that begins to « have a demand for experiences and visits in other municipalities that allow contact with other offers », such as the example of Almada, Setúbal and Sesimbra « which begin to be destinations with a growing offer, which will allow to increase the number of stay in the near future ».

As for the occupancy rate, Carla Salsinha says it is very similar to that of 2024, ie « almost complete occupation », since Easter « is a time with stability in terms of occupation ».

At the level of nationalities, Americans and Canadians stand out, « who are increasingly looking for our country, but in terms of Easter, the Spanish are arguably the great reference. »

And there are still last -minute reserves. « Because it is a time much visited by Spanish and for being a time of tradition and family there is always a significant number of last -minute reserves, » says Carla Salsinha.

‘Importance in the start of the time of the Algarve’

The same enthusiasm comes from the Algarve. André Gomes, president of Algarve Tourism, guarantees the sunrise that Easter has « been gaining importance as a high time in the Algarve » and that since the pandemic has noticed « clear changes in tourist behavior » who seek more outdoor experiences, value cultural activities and, above all, want to feel that they are in an authentic and safe destination. “We have been watching a more diverse demand within the region, as well as for housing that offer flexibility and guarantees in case of last -minute changes. Sustainability also weighed more in the choice of destination, ”says André Gomes.

Is that the pandemic clearly brought changes in what is sought. Before, according to André Gomes, there was a greater demand for the most conventional tourist offer. « We now see more aware visitors to what each place has to offer and value traditions, gastronomy, heritage and the events of Holy Week, such as processions and religious festivals, » noting that there is a growing interest in combining rest with a cultural component.

With regard to destinations, the official argues that Albufeira continues to lead by his ability to accommodate and offer diversified. But there are others that stand out as is the case of Quarteira, Vilamoura, Portimão, Lagoa, Lagos and Tavira, « each with their visitor profile – some more families oriented, others with a more marked vocation for luxury or cultural tourism. » Also noteworthy is the interior and baroque zones « which, at this time of Easter, gain special visibility with parties such as the flowery torches, in São Brás de Alportel, or that of the sovereign mother in Loulé. »

As for the occupancy rate, there is no doubt that the sector is ‘very optimistic’, as an occupancy rate is expected above 80% and some hotels, especially in the Albufeira region, already register more than 90% of reserves. « In the total of April, the main associations in the sector foresee a growth up to 10% compared to 2024, » says André Gomes, noting that the fact that Easter maybe three weeks later this year also helps, « because it aligns better with the good time and the holidays that follow it. »

At nationalities, the domestic market remains the main one at this time for the Algarve, although the British market is also a great help. But there is also a strong presence of Spanish, German and French tourists.

Highlight for Beiras and Serra da Estrela

In the center, Easter « is an important time for national tourism », as our newspaper Turismo do Centro says, noting that it has also noticed differences over the years. « From the pandemic there has been a change in travelers’ behavior, with increasing interest in less massive destinations and more linked to nature and authenticity. This trend has come to stay and has greatly benefited the territorial diversity of downtown Portugal ».

Tourists are increasingly aware of the global travel experience and the pandemic « has accelerated this appreciation of the less exploited and more sustainable territories. » In this Easter, the tourism of the center note ‘slight oscillations in preferences between some territories of the region, but demand remains high in the destinies of the interior’, especially the territory of the Beiras and Serra da Estrela region, which has higher occupation rates compared to last year’s homologous period.

With regard to the occupancy rate, based on a representative sample of about 26% of the beds installed in the central region of Portugal, the average occupancy rate guaranteed for Friday and Saturday of Easter is around 63%. And we need to wait for the last -minute reserves that usually bring good values.