The Algarve has once again reaffirmed its popularity as one of Europe’s premier holiday destinations. One early-spring industry survey confirms that Portugal is a top-three destination for UK tourists, while another ranks the Algarve as the best-value holiday hotspot in the Eurozone.
The release of these two surveys coincides with a statement by Portuguese president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa noting that reservations and bookings for the Easter break and summer are excellent. This bears out the perception that Portugal is a safe haven, he said, and a country that offers visitors a wonderful climate.
Iberian Gem
According to tech platform Vacaay, Portugal is the third most sought-after holiday destination for British holidaymakers, after Greece and France (and followed by Italy and Spain). The survey also revealed that many Britons who took part specifically mentioned that they were planning to visit the Algarve area.
“Portugal is one of Europe’s most beautiful destinations,” said Vacaay’s UK and Europe regional director James Air, “and, whilst British tourists have long been acquainted with this Iberian gem, it’s really positive to see the country is now gaining market share from some of the region’s most popular tourist hotspots.”
Best-Value Holidays
Meanwhile, the annual Post Office Travel Money Holiday Money Report determined the destinations that are set to offer holidaymakers the best value for money in 2022. They researched 36 in all, comparing prices for meals, drinks and other essentials.
Eight items were selected as representative of the purchases British tourists are likely to make when abroad, and prices were cross-checked by Post Office researchers: a three-course evening meal for two with wine, bottle of beer, glass of wine, can of Coca-Cola, large bottle of still water, cup of coffee, sunscreen and insect repellent.
The “Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer” concluded that Turkey and Bulgaria “lead the pack for where your holiday cash goes further”, while the Algarve is third globally and the cheapest in the Eurozone, “with costs 25 per cent lower than the Costa del Sol in sixth place”.
Wizz Air Flights from Gatwick
In other travel news as holidaymakers look forward to less-restrictive measures this spring and summer, Wizz Air has announced 18 new routes – both year-round and seasonal – from its Gatwick Airport base, including Faro.
“Today’s route launches signify the start of an exciting new chapter for Wizz Air UK at Gatwick Airport as we embark on the summer travel season,” said managing director Marion Geoffroy. “Through this significant expansion we are reaffirming our commitment to providing low-fare connectivity to our customers in London and the south of England.
“The lifting of all COVID-19 travel restrictions is an extremely positive development for the travel industry and passengers alike, with customers once again being able to travel hassle-free to their favourite destinations. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new onboard our young, efficient and green aircraft to enjoy the excellent service Wizz is known for, as they head off on their well-deserved trips abroad.”
EasyJet Re-Opens Faro Seasonal Base
The Algarve also remains a key destination for EasyJet, which has re-opened its seasonal base at Faro Airport (together with Málaga and Palma de Mallorca), offering an expanded fleet and additional capacity.
In Portugal, the seasonal base in Faro will operate with four aircraft, one more than last year, with a total capacity of 1.67 million, and the number of connections rises from 18 to 20.
“We are prepared for what we believe will be a very strong summer,” said EasyJet country director for southern Europe Javier Gandara. “Faro, Palma, and Málaga have always been some of our customer’s favourite destinations and we have worked through the winter to adjust and improve our offers across our seasonal base network.”
Live information on flight arrivals and departures at Faro Airport is available here.
