Tourism in 2023 had an exceptional year, according to the preliminary figures of tourism activities in the country. The centre of Portugal, in particular, has distinguished itself with remarkable achievements.
According to a report by Sapo, last year saw the region experience its best tourism year to date. This can be seen in various indicators such as the number of overnight stays and guests, occupancy rates and total turnover.
Impressive growth also in the Alentejo
Data from the INE shows that between January and December 2023, central Portugal recorded almost eight million overnight stays in tourist accommodation – 7,965,898 to be exact. This figure, which has never been reached by the Region, represents a significant increase of 11.6 percent compared to 2019, which served as the reference year for tourist activities in central Portugal. Compared to 2022, the increase shows an impressive growth of 11.9 percent.
This sharp increase in overnight stays in 2023 was observed by both national and international visitors. The number of overnight stays by residents of Portugal increased significantly, from 4,016,888 in 2019 to a preliminary figure of 4,663,421 in 2023, representing a growth of 16.1 percent and indicating that central Portugal is attracting more and more visitors from other parts of the country.
At the same time, overnight stays by international guests also continued to rise. Preliminary figures for 2023 show an increase of 5.9 percent compared to 2019 with a total of 3,302,477 overnight stays.
“The number of overnight stays by residents of Portugal increased significantly, from 4,016,888 in 2019 to a preliminary figure of 4,663,421 in 2023, representing a growth of 16.1 percent and indicating that central Portugal is attracting more and more visitors from other parts of the country.”
Indicators
The positive development in the region is also reflected in the number of guests. Central Portugal received more than 4.46 million guests in 2023, which is 349 thousand more than in 2019, the best year so far. This means that the number of visitors to the region has increased by 8.5 percent in 2023.
Another indicator of the region’s thriving tourism sector is the net bed occupancy rate in tourist accommodation establishments, which reflects the percentage of beds occupied during the year. In 2023, this share was 33.7 percent, compared to 32.8 percent in 2019.
The preliminary figures for 2023 are extremely positive for central Portugal. It may have been the year the region reached the historic milestone of 8 million overnight stays and 4.5 million guests, or it may have been very close. These are very encouraging data that underline the strong attraction of tourism in the region and show that Central Portugal is a top tourist destination, with a range of experiences and tourist products to suit all tastes and preferences
New Initiatives
These promising results are thanks to the tremendous dedication of entrepreneurs in the region, who are finding new ways to meet challenges every day. They introduce new tourism products and try to improve the existing facilities.
In this central part of Portugal, including the province of Alentejo, there is still a lot of room for new initiatives. Of course, Divine Home also has its office in this authentic part of Portugal. For more information, please contact one of our experts who can inform you about the many possibilities in the Alentejo and of course in the Algarve.