Visitor numbers to the popular destinations of Carvoeiro and Lagos were up in January compared to the same period in 2017 according to the latest data from the Algarve Association of Tourism Businesses (AHETA).

AHETA collect information from hotels, local lodgings and other businesses in the Algarve to monitor visitor numbers across the months and January, which is traditionally one of the quietest months of the year in the region, registered a slight decrease compared to 2017.

AHETA found that the average overall hotel occupancy rate in the Algarve was at 35.7%, representing a 1% drop in numbers.

Although overall numbers were down, the change in occupancy levels were not dramatic enough to cause concern for tourism officials.

British tourists were down in the largest numbers, with a fall in numbers by some 19.4% compared to the same month last year.  This drop in numbers did not massively effect the overall number of tourists in the Algarve as it was countered by large increases in tourists from other countries.  French visitors were up by 35.8%, Dutch tourists were up by 8.2% and German guests were up by 4.2%.

The most popular areas for tourists to the Algarve in January were Lagos and the Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra areas of the region.  In Lagos the number of visitors was up by a massive 19.6%, while in Carvoeiro there were 7.2% more visitors staying in the area compared to last January.

While the number of visitors in general staying overnight in the Algarve remained largely the same, the sales volume was up by 7.4%, this shows that tourists coming to the Algarve have more money to spend while on holiday here and demonstrates a positive outlook for businesses in the coming months.

The Algarve has traditionally been a summer destination for visitors, however an increasing number of people are choosing to visit the region in the low season, thanks to the abundance of budget flights, warm winter weather and increased programme of entertainment throughout the year.

Due to the increased popularity of the Algarve as a holiday destination, it is now advised to book holiday accommodation as far in advance as possible.  To see the wide selection of holiday properties available in the Algarve contact the Algarve Holiday Lets team directly.