The Algarve region hopes to reach 20 million overnight stays by the end of the year
Hotel bookings for New Year’s Eve are “looking very good”, following the positive trend seen throughout this year. The Algarve tourism boss André Gomes, who leads the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) and the Algarve Tourism Association (ATA), is confident that the region will end 2023 on a high note, with the possibility of this being the “best tourism year ever”.
“With the number of bookings already made, but considering likely last-minute bookings, the outlook is very good,” André Gomes told Lusa news agency, adding that he expects the Algarve will reach 20 million overnight stays by the end of the year.
Although New Year’s Eve is still a couple of weeks away, and there is no exact data on bookings thus far, the Algarve tourism chief says the “very positive” expectations are based on feedback he has received from the sector’s representative associations and hoteliers.
In addition to the usual foreign markets, such as the UK and Ireland, André Gomes stressed that the Algarve is seeing “very strong growth” from the North American, Italian and French markets, which should continue into the festive season.
Albufeira
Albufeira has set the lofty goal of organising the “best festivities in Portugal”, expected to attract a crowd of over 300,000 people. Musical guests Richie Campbell (December 30) and The Gift (December 31) will take the stage at Albufeira’s beachside square Praia dos Pescadores, as well as DJ Rita Mendes. The programme also features an aquatic pyromusical show, an aerial choreography and a laser show, as well as other events such as Paderne’s Medieval Fair, a ‘Pop Art Parade’, a street food festival, and more.
Portimão
Portimão has also announced a three-day New Year’s party between December 29 and 31, which will take place at the town’s riverside. Highlights include a performance by The Beatles tribute band The Peakles on December 29; the RFM Time Machine show, which promises to be an “irresistible journey through the greatest musical hits of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s,” on December 30; and a traditional Portuguese ‘baile’ led by Turb’Ó Baile on December 31.
Quarteira
Quarteira, another highlight in the Algarve’s New Year’s celebrations, is planning four days of fun, starting with the 11th São Silvestre Race on December 28 and three nights of concerts to end the year, with Australian-born singer/songwriter Marc Noah (December 29), a Dire Straits tribute band (December 30) and Portuguese pop band D.A.M.A. due to headline the festivities.
Olhão
Olhão have also unveiled their New Year’s Eve programmes. Entertainment in Olhão will take place at Jardim Pescador Olhanense with several live shows starting on December 29 with a performance by local singer Luís Guilherme at 10pm, on December 30 the stage set up at the park will host a performance by Portugal’s beloved comedian Herman José and the last night of the year (December 31) will be celebrated with performances by 3AM Band at 10pm and Rapazes Extremamente Divertidos (Extremely Fun Guys) at 11.30pm, followed by a firework display over the Ria Formosa estuary.
On New Year’s Day (January 1), the “magic of Circo Dallas” will bring a live circus show to the town, starting at 11.30am. All events are free to attend.
Lagos
Lagos will bid farewell to 2023 with two nights of concerts on December 30 and 31 at Praça do Infante. The iconic Portuguese rock band GNR will take to the stage on December 30, followed by DJ Miguel Simões, and on New Year’s Eve (December 31), musical entertainment will be provided by Portuguese duo Calema and DJ TobyOne. The main performances will begin at 10.30pm, while the DJ sets will start at midnight. Also planned is a firework show to welcome 2024.
Monte Gordo
Monte Gordo, one of the main New Year’s destinations in the Eastern Algarve, has announced a two-day “family-friendly” programme kicking off with the ‘I Love Baile Funk’ show on December 30 at 10.30pm at Monte Gordo’s Avenida Marginal. On December 31, Portuguese star singer Diogo Piçarra and DJ Pete Tha Zouk will take to the stage for a “memorable New Year’s Eve party to welcome 2024”.
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