According to data from the Association of Hotels and Touristic Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA), the average overall occupancy rate per room was 41.3% in November, only 5.8% less than the figure recorded in 2019, before the start of the pandemic of Covid-19.

However, compared to 2020, the average occupancy rate rose 225%, with the domestic market increasing 6.8% and the external market decreasing 13.3%, compared to November 2019, said the largest regional association in the sector in communicated.

In accumulated terms, since the beginning of the year, occupancy per room has recorded an average decrease of 47% and sales volume a 40% decrease compared to the same period of 2019.

By geographical area, compared to November 2019, the biggest declines were seen in Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo António (down 57.4%), Albufeira (23.0%) and Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra (16.3%).

Sales volume increased by 1.3% compared to November 2019 and 248% compared to the same month in 2020, stressed AHETA.

According to the association, sales made through online platforms do not include the payment of commissions, "which influences the year-on-year increase in sales volume and, therefore, the prices charged".

In November 2021, 28.5% of sales were made through traditional tour operators, against 43.7% in 2019.

According to AHETA, the occupancy averages “are not reflected equally in all establishments, with discrepancies depending on the categories and geographical areas”.