Algarve tourism is recovering

The tourism industry experienced a good growth in August, surpassing the numbers of August 2009. According to the hotels association in the Algarve (AHETA), the numbers in August showed an increase, exceeding last year's results. The AHETA states that the accommodation rate per room reached the 92,5%, 2,2% above last August. By areas, the numbers showed some negative fluctuations on Tavira (-3,2%) and Portimão / Praia da Rocha (-1,0%). The areas with a most important growth where Carvoeiro / Armação de Pêra (+4,3%), Vilamoura / Quarteira / Quinta do Lago (+3,5%) and Albufeira (+2,9%). The Monte Gordo / VRSA zone registered the highest accommodation rates (97,1%), while in Faro / Olhão the numbers didn't go further the 77,0%. By categories, the villas and 4 and 5 stars touristic apartments registered the highest growth (+12,5%), while the hotels and 3 stars aparthotels registered +2,8%. The 2 and 3 stars touristic apartments where the only to mark a negative growth (-2,3%). The main markets to chose the Algarve as a touristic destination marked, in opposition to last year's data: + 2,1% of national tourists, + 28,3% of Spanish visitors and +7,6% of Dutch tourists. The British market had a decrease of 2,7% and the Irish had a break of 33,4%. source: observatoriodoalgarve.com