The number of British tourists in the Algarve's hotels fell 19.4% in January this year, compared to the same month in 2017, according to data released by the region’s tourist association, AHETA.The average overall occupancy rate was 35.7%, a drop of only 0.3 of a percentage point than in last January.
The lack of British tourists was made up for by the French (+35.8%), the Dutch (+8.2%), and the Germans (+4.2%).
The lack of British tourists was made up for by the French (+35.8%), the Dutch (+8.2%), and the Germans (+4.2%).
The largest decreases were at hotels in Albufeira (-14.1%), Vilamoura-Quarteira-Quinta do Lago (-10.2%) and Monte Gordo-VRSA (-7.4%).
The main increases were in Tavira (+21%), Lagos-Sagres (+19.6%) and Carvoeiro-Armação de Pêra (+7.2%).
Spending on hotel accommodation was up 7.4% over last year as prices continue to harden.
The drop in British tourists may partly be explained by higher prices being charged by formerly low-cost airlines operating the UK to Faro route, an opportunity seized on by easyJet and Ryanair, in the absence of competitor, Monarch.
