- French visitors occupy the first place among nationalities, followed by Spaniards and Portuguese;
- The price per night is similar to the same period last year, but owners claim to have lost income due to increased costs;
- Guests are increasingly attentive to the quality-price ratio.
GuestReady, a leading company in the Local Accommodation sector in Portugal and Europe, summarizes the summer indicating an occupancy of almost 90% throughout the country, with prices slightly higher than the previous year. However, owners and companies report a loss of income compared to the results of 2023.
On average, each night in local accommodation in Portugal this summer cost guests €94, with the average booking duration in the country hovering around 4 nights.
In Porto, where average stays were between 3 and 4 days, occupancy exceeded 90%, with a price per night above €80 from May to September. In Lisbon, with an average occupancy of 86% during this period, the average price per night was set at €125 and stays averaged 5 days. To these values, cleaning fees, tourist taxes, and costs from some platforms are added, raising the average amounts paid by guests per stay to €300 in Porto and over €600 in Lisbon.
Summer, generally speaking, is a period of heightened demand for travel and accommodation, whether due to the heat, school holidays, or dozens of events such as concerts and festivals. But this is not the only reason why the average cost of stays increased (+7% in Porto and +8% in Lisbon), especially when compared to the same period last year.
In 2024, costs associated with managing local accommodation increased: maintenance services and amenities offered to guests are more expensive, and even water and electricity bills have risen (across all types), which ends up harming the profitability of the activity.
As in any industry, part of this operating cost ends up being passed on to the final consumer, either through higher nightly rates or cleaning fees, but owners continue to record a decrease in income in 2024.
“Management costs are rising, but prices cannot increase at the same rate. It is necessary to keep up with the market. Price plays a crucial role in ensuring that Portugal remains attractive to tourists from around the world,” explains Rui Silva. The Country Manager of GuestReady Portugal reminds us that we have seen the emergence of cheaper competing markets like Montenegro or Croatia and that “Portugal must remain competitive.”
GuestReady explains the feedback it has received: “Although income has not continued to grow as we have become accustomed to in recent years, and everyone needs to keep up with the market and adjust expectations, local accommodation has not felt such a drop in demand because staying overnight is essential for travelling. However, restaurants, bars, and tours have communicated the opposite to us, feeling less demand for their services, or a shift in demand focusing on cheaper services and products.”
This thus creates the ideal opportunity for AL to stand out: “We offer more than just a sleeping option — it is a home away from home, where you can prepare meals, relax, and enjoy a new environment. It is a comfortable, practical, and economical option to continue travelling even in times of economic constraints.”
In this high season analyzed (from mid-May to mid-September) in the top 3 most recurring nationalities, French visitors occupy the first place, followed by Spaniards and Portuguese, with no changes compared to previous years.
In August, the month of vacations par excellence, an occupancy rate of 91% was recorded throughout Portugal, with an average price per night exceeding €100 and an average price per booking exceeding €450.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok and see the exclusive content for social networks.
