The latest Summer Perspectives survey into the holiday plans of Portuguese families shows the delightful result that 84% are to stay and holiday within the country, and 44% are intent on heading to the Algarve.
August is the ideal month for the majority (54%) of Portuguese and 56% will take at least a ten day break in the sun.
These are the key findings of the survey from the Office of Research and Statistics of the Association of Hotels in Portugal, which wanted to know who is going where this summer.
According to the Association, the Portuguese will holiday in Portugal with 44% booking accommodation in resorts, hotels, apartment-hotels, holiday apartments and villas, 23% will be staying with their unfortunate friends and 21% are lucky enough to have a second home to go to.
"The information gathered in ‘Summer Perspectives,’ conducted by AHP for its members is that occupancy rates will be substantially higher than in 2013, especially in the Algarve and Madeira." says Cristina Siza Vieira, president of the Association of Hotels in Portugal.
Viera added that "it is a noticeable recovery of the internal market in relation to previous years, because this year sees a predicted 8% increase in demand for accommodation. Similarly, hotels are expecting a growth from the home grown market, as well as from the Spanish and French."
Hopefully this demand will fill the Algarve's remaining hotel spaces with happy holiday makers, whether they spend any money when they are here, remains to be seen. They intend to though as 27% are planning a budget of €26 to €50 per day. Last year the same percentage spent below €25 per day.
