PORTUGAL is preparing for an Irish invasion during 2017 with a new route to Porto opening up and increased capacity on flights to Lisbon and Faro.
Figures released by the Portuguese Tourist Board reveal a bumper year in tourism with overall figures for 2016 to date showing an increase in visitors of 9.2 per cent, with hotel bed nights also up 8.7 per cent.
Officials say bed nights are probably even higher as those staying in their own accommodation or choosing services like AirBnB aren’t counted in official statistics.
The figures are part of a continued positive upward four-year trend for Portugal following on from 8.5 per cent growth for the same period last year.
In terms of the Irish and UK markets, Ireland is up 10.3 per cent year on year, with 235,600 guests, and the UK market including Northern Ireland is up 11.7 per cent with 1,554,200 guests.
These figures put UK as the top market for Portugal, with Ireland in ninth position.
Airports all around Ireland are confirming high fill-rates on Portugal departures to Faro, as of course The Algarve is yet again Ireland’s favourite destination in Portugal, with 8.7 per cent growth rate.
Faro also offers access to the Alentejo region of Portugal.
Antonio Padeira, Director of the Portuguese Tourist Board for UK and Ireland, says there’ll be Increased support for visitors from Ireland during 2017.
“With increased capacity to Portugal for 2017, we will be continuing to invest in the Irish market.
“There will be support for the Irish travel trade to educate them about all our regions, as well as communication with the press,” he added.
“It’s good also to hear that Lisbon has grown 14.7 per cent this year.
“And Madeira has grown a further 22 per cent due to the continued shared charter flight to Funchal from Ireland, as well as flights via Lisbon.
“Other markets such as Alentejo, Northern Portugal, including Porto and the Douro Valley and even The Azores are all showing growth this year from Ireland, albeit from a smaller base.
“Much of this growth in our regions comes from increased awareness about other regions in Portugal and our offer in active holidays such as walking, hiking, cycling, water sports and other pursuits inlcuding wellness.
“And of course lots of visitors come for golf, for which Algarve and the Lisbon area are world famous and award-winning.”
Portugal is expected to amongst the top destinations with new year bookings.
