The Association of Hotels and Resorts in the Algarve (AHETA) announced today that tourist occupation in the Algarve increased by 3% in 2014 when compared to 2013.
The figure is up of course but disappointing in the aftermath of the fervour generated by a strong last quarter of 2014 and hopes that the overall increase would be higher.
The year saw an average occupancy rate of 57.2% of hotel rooms which is way off pre-recession numbers, but every little helps.
The AHETA statement read that "This increase of 3% is considered very positive, especially if we consider that from 2013 there had been a 4.7% growth."
This is one way of looking at the figures but overall the Economy Ministry, which for some reason covers tourism, will be pleased but not delighted.
The Algarve hoteliers' association release stated that, in 2014 its members’ turnover grew by 5.1% and net profits for companies improved 5.2%, while increased demand allowed an increase of 3% in hotel prices compared to 2013.
"In this context, the tourism year 2014 now suggests that in the medium term of four to five years, we can achieve the occupancy levels and revenue necessary to monetise investments and improve corporate profitability," said AHETA.
The nober of Brits increased by 3.9%, the Portuguese were up 12.3% and our cousins the Spanish were up 14%. Just as well as the Germans were down 3.5%, the cheery Dutch were down 2.7% and the fun-loving Irish were down 4.6%.
The Spanish seem also to have fallen in love with the Alentejo as they now represent between 20% and 25% of tourists and last year their numbers grew nearly 30% for overnight stays.
Comments
You clearly know nothing about these matters... Or about statistics. What a shame. And what a waste.