The western Algarve is proving to be the area of the Algarve with the highest increase in tourists according to the latest reports.

Traditionally, the central Algarve region and Golden triangle of the Algarve, comprising of an area between Vilamoura, Almancil and Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, has been the most popular place for tourists to choose to visit for a holiday.  Now the changing demographic of tourists visiting the Algarve have seen a boost in popularity for the western Algarve with hotspots now being in and around the Praia da Luz and Lagos areas.

Areas such as Carvoeiro and Albufeira in the central Algarve still top the tables when it comes to tourism occupancy rates but the west is closing in on this rapidly.

According to figures from the Portuguese Association of Hospitality (AHP), tourist occupancy rates in May 2017 were at an average of 74%, with 75% occupancy in the central Algarve, 70% in the eastern Algarve and 74% in the western Algarve.

These figures represent a 1.3% increase in occupancy when compared to the same period in 2016 and show the general trend for improving tourism rates in the Algarve as a whole.

In the western Algarve there was a 3.2% increase in occupancy levels when compared to May 2016, while the average price per room was up by 8% and the average price per available room was up by 10% to an average of €58.

According to the AHP Tourism Monitors, May “maintained the trend for growth in the national hotel indicators”.

The exceptional choice of beaches in the west, improved transport links and wide variety of activities to participate in have helped to make the western Algarve a sought after area of the region.

Lagos is known for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with a very multicultural local population making it an ideal place to both visit, or to relocate to.

For further information about holidays or properties in the central and western Algarve, please contact the team directly