U.S. overtakes France and Brazil in the number of guests in Portugal

The North American market is expanding in Portugal in the tourism sector and has already overtaken markets such as France or Brazil. And the expectation of the hotel industry is that this is just the beginning, according to the published survey of the hotel industry in Portugal "Balance 2022 & Perspectives 2023", presented by the Hotel Association of Portugal (AHP).

The domestic market continues to account for the largest share in the number of guests and overnight stays, with 87% of respondents placing Portugal in the TOP3 main markets. This is followed by Spain (46%), the United Kingdom (37%), the United States (33%), France (28%), Germany (22%) and Brazil (20%)

During the presentation of the data, the Executive Vice President of AHP highlighted the increase in guests from the United States, who have thus left markets such as France, Italy, or Brazil behind.

The American market has enormous potential, because the American market is not only increasing in terms of the number of guests and overnight stays but is also the leader in terms of per capita expenditure of guests. This is due to the strength of the dollar and the significantly lower cost of living in Portugal.

The focus of the American guests was primarily on the hotels in the Azores, Lisbon, Alentejo and northern Portugal. The outlook for 2023 is very promising and already promises new record figures for tourism.

According to the same document, 80% of respondents believe that Portugal will continue to be the leader, 49% place Spain in the TOP3 of origin markets and 40% in the United States. This is followed by the United Kingdom (36%), France (24%), Germany (22%) and Brazil (19%).

The survey also confirmed the trend towards rising prices in the hotel industry due to the rise in inflation, and because of the increasing demand for Portugal.

The upward trend in the Portuguese tourism sector will continue this year, at least this is the opinion of the 375 hotels that took part in this survey.

Source: Balance 2022 & Perspectives 2023 AHP