New York -- Tourism de Portugal announced that the United States was the fastest growing inbound market for Portuguese tourism in the first six months of 2012. In that period, hotel guests from the U.S. jumped by 7.5% over 2011, to a total of 135,012. That makes Americans Portugal's 9th largest market. Spending by American's on vacation in
Portugal jumped by 17.5% in the same period to 180 million euros - making the U.S. the 7th biggest market in-terms of spending while in Portugal. Total overnights by Americans increased by 5.2% in the same period, to 292,472.
Amid higher summer airfares, and news of Portugal's financial restructuring, Americans are going to Portugal in near record numbers.
"We attribute this growth to three factors," said Nuno Miguel Alves, Director of the PNTO. "First, a sustained campaign in the U.S to introduce the real Portugal as an authentic, unique place that offers the visitor experiences that can only be enjoyed in Portugal. Then, there is the value. Portugal's hotels from budget to 5-stars are often priced 10-40% less that similar hotels in other Euro-zone nations. Finally, it is word of mouth, as more and more Americans return from Portugal, they spread the word about the authenticity of the experience, and the warmth of the Portuguese people."
One of the important conclusions of the report by Turismo de Portugal is a bigger rise in spending than actual visitors. According to Turismo de Portugal, this shows that not only are more Americans visiting Portugal, but they are spending more time there, and more Money.
This is because the value of high-end travel in Portugal, in terms of hotels, river cruises, and dining all being more affordable than in other European markets.
Says Nuno Miguel Alves, "Basically, we see the continuation of a trend of Portugal moving more up market. We now have a deep offering of luxury hotels, spas, and some of the most exciting young chefs in Europe. Add to that our new network of new roads, high-speed rail, and museums, and we have a unique luxury product that covers the whole nation - not just the big cities."
See more at www.visitportugal.com
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
