Tourism levels in the Algarve have been rising steadily over the past years, with 2017 proving to be a record breaking one not only for the number of visitors, but also in terms of revenue.  Now the head of Algarve tourism is calling for further diversification to attract a continued increase in the long term for the region.

According to a report by the Algarve newspaper Região Sul, the focus of the Algarve Tourism Board is now on ensuring that occupancy levels in the region are up to 70% at all times of the year, in a bid to combat seasonality that has traditionally hampered growth.

Speaking at the Tourism Conference BTL in Lisbon, Desidério Silva, the President of Algarve Tourism said that diversification of options for tourists has been the driving factor behind the exceptional figures seen over the past 12 months and beyond.

“A sustainable Algarve has to have an average occupation rate of more than 70%,” said Desidério Silva, who explained that a strategy including the promotion of initiatives linked to sport and nature was key, including activities such as horse riding, hiking, swimming and cycling.

Already the region has been heralded on an international level for its traditional forms of tourism with once again being given the award for Best Beach Destination in Europe, however it is now projects such as Algarve Nature Week, international sporting competitions and the Algarve 365 project that are being pushed by the tourism board.

“The Algarve is at the forefront of this type of diversified tourism work, initiatives which have been created and actioned with the cooperation of all of the Algarve municipalities,” said Silva at the conference.

While nature and sporting tourism are key, so too is cultural tourism which has previously involved the staging of large and small scale events such as the Carvoeiro Black and White Night, Loulé White Night, Medieval fairs, musical concerts, dance performances and much more.

Those visiting the Algarve at any time of the year can now find a myriad of activities, not only those designed for the summer and beach life and also aimed at all ages and interests.

For further information about the activities and events available in the Algarve throughout the year, contact our team or visit www.visitalgarve.pt