Tourism in Portugal surpassed pre-COVID levels in 2023: seasonality being the lowest in the last decade

Source: Expresso

All regions of the country saw growth in overnight stays last year, which exceeded 85 million, with the most significant increase in the West and Tagus Valley area, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). The tourism sector in Portugal managed to surpass the 2019 figures, before the COVID-19 pandemic, recording the arrival of 26.5 million foreigners, a 7.7% increase compared to the year of the health crisis caused by the coronavirus (and a 19.2% increase compared to 2022), according to the consolidated report by INE.

The highlight goes to Spain, which remained the main source of tourists arriving in the country in 2023, with a share of 25.2% among foreign visitors, and an annual increase of 16.7%. Regarding overnight stays, the main emitting market was the United Kingdom, with a share of 18% among non-residents, and an annual growth of 10.2%, which was 5.9% compared to 2019. Hotels and other tourist accommodations received 32.5 million guests last year, generating 85.1 million overnight stays, resulting in year-on-year growths of 12.5% and 10.3%, respectively, reflecting average annual increases of 2.4% and 2.3% since 2019.

SEASONALITY RATE DROPPED TO 36.9% In 2023

One-third of overnight stays in the country were generated by the domestic market, totaling 28.1 million, an annual increase of 2.1%, while external markets ensured 57.1 million overnight stays, with an annual growth of 14.9%. The seasonality rate decreased to 36.9% and "reached the lowest value since 2013," according to INE, which details that this indicator was higher among residents (41.3%) than external tourists (34.8%).

Total hotel revenue increased by 20% last year, reaching 6 billion euros. The average revenue per available room (RevPAR) stood at 64.8 euros, and the average price per room sold at 113 euros.

All regions of the country saw growth in the volume of overnight stays in 2023. Compared to 2019, the increases were more prominent in Greater Lisbon (11.8%), the North (14%), the Algarve (6.7%), and the Center (6.9%), but the most significant increase was in the West and Tagus Valley area (18.2%).

PORTUGUESE MAKE 3.2 MILLION TRIPS ABROAD

Another aspect analyzed by INE is the travel of residents, both domestically and abroad, which reached 23.7 million in 2023, reflecting a 4.6% increase compared to the previous year, "but still falling short of 2019 levels," by about 3.2% overall, notes the statistics office.

Domestic travel by residents increased by 2.4% in 2023 compared to the previous year, "but still remained below pre-pandemic levels," at 4.3% less compared to 2019, reaching 20.4 million. "Conversely, trips abroad by residents reached 3.2 million in 2023 (21.5% more compared to 2022) and surpassed 2019 numbers (by 4.1%)," highlights INE.

For domestic travel, the average expenditure per trip by residents totaled 164.3 euros (31.3 euros more compared to 2019), and for trips abroad, the average expenditure per resident tourist reached 736.6 euros, 17.5% more than in 2019.

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