Safety, quality of life and hospitality are making Portugal the right place for Americans, who are the largest non-European market, according to ECO.
By TPN/Lusa, in Tourism, North America · 03 Sep 2022, 18:01 · 8 Comments
There have never been so many tourists from the United States visiting Portugal as in July. In the seventh month of the year 183,215 guests with US passports entered the country, surpassing the record recorded in June (181,869 guests).
"The Americans are discovering Portugal. Until a few years ago, it was an unknown country, but now Portugal is on the map for North Americans. It is identified as a safe country, with good quality of life and also to live and work in," Graça Didier, secretary-general of the American Chamber of Commerce in Portugal (AmCham Portugal), told ECO.
The growth trend of US tourists in Portugal "was already happening before Covid". In 2019, there were 1,202,247 guests from the United States, which almost surpassed the Brazilian market (1,281,675). In 2022, the United States is expected to stay ahead of Brazil as the first non-European tourist market: until July, there were 766,335 Americans visiting Portugal - compared to 495,880 from Brazil.
The United States will also become the fifth country with the most tourists in Portugal, only behind the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and France. In the first seven months of the year, the UK had the most guests (1,196,174), followed by Spain (1,086,137), France (825,003) and Germany (794,772).
The record number of US tourists in Portugal comes at a time when the dollar and euro have been practically at parity, helping North Americans spend more money in Portugal. But this factor is not one of the main reasons for so many North Americans visiting the country.
"Americans like what they see. Portugal has heritage and culture, good climate conditions, hospitality and the Portuguese usually speak English. There are also many places that are still unexplored, such as the Alentejo Coast and the Douro", stresses the secretary-general of AmCham Portugal.
Portugal also attracts North Americans because of cruise tourism and direct flights, provided by TAP, United and Delta. The physical distance from Portugal to the war in Ukraine also attracts US tourists, she added.
Graça Didier believes that the North American market "will not stop growing" and anticipates more tourist records in the coming months.
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Comments
Why would you disrespect the American flag with this photo? How does a torn and tattered flag represent this article? As someone who reads your paper weekly, and views your website daily, I find it extremely offensive. Any other time I would ignore things I don´t agree with. However this is just so disrespectful it can not be ignored. I may not love how my country has done things lately but this doesn´t excuse your use of that photo for this story. Do you want Americans to read your paper? If you want more traffic to your site, maybe try being a bit more considerate to those who have died for that torn and tattered flag you so careelessly used to represent my country in what was supposed to be a possitive article.
By Andrea Bazemore from USA on 04 Sep 2022, 09:59
TPN got it 100% correct with that flag analogy and as a fellow American it represents the inner war torn republic that used to stand for freedom and EQUALITY but now, riots, GUNS, hate, corruption and continued plight towards the loss as a republic of our democracy to an authoritarian regime. Americans are coming to Portugal to see if they can MOVE there to get away from what this country has turned into and THE WORLD is aware of it. CONGRATULATIONS TPN; YOU got it right with your "brilliant" photo. Let's not try to hide what's really happening to our US and I'm one of the fortunate ones moving to get away from the barbaric lies and behavior that those about to take power. How can anyone accept this kind of behavior, no one is happy here anymore. In Portugal people smile, laugh and assist you with a good attitude. The US elections will be manipulated and stolen from the rightful recipients with Trump's "Big Lie." I can't wait to get out and MANY Americans feel the same way. People know some gave their lives for this country but what is MOST disrespectful are the MAGA Republicans that cannot win an election so they riot and will steal it like a third world dictator. THAT is disrespectful, disgraceful and pathetic!
By Wes from USA on 05 Sep 2022, 03:45
I also don't understand why anyone on your staff would use this horrible photograph to represent US tourism in Portugal. Are you trying to say something about America or Americans? If you posted a photo of a ragged and torn Union Jack or Portuguese bandeira -- well, you wouldn't ever do that. Please replace it now. The beauty of online media is that you can quickly fix your mistakes. And that's a big one.
By Amy Kraushaar from Lisbon on 05 Sep 2022, 09:09
Great article, very informative. It’s funny when Americans feel the need to leave the USA when their team is in power. And do so complaining about the last administration. Hey, stay in the USA and enjoy worshipping at the altar of Brandon. Just enjoy Portugal and all that is good here and stop with the Trump derangement syndrome Wes. Lol.
By Mark from Algarve on 05 Sep 2022, 16:04
Re: American tourism breaking records
Wes is correct , as far as I'm concerned. There is always mafia, but now the cons outnumber the pros in the USA. Americans love choice, and will choose democracy.
By Susan knox from Porto on 05 Sep 2022, 16:49
Maybe they are trying to escape the chaos and violence of the Democrat Party sanctioned ANTIFA and BLM riots.
By Bob from Lisbon on 05 Sep 2022, 17:38
What's the benefit of attraction of the tourism when the officials in major cities like porto and lisbon hardly speaks any English words. They hardly understand the English counting.
By sukhmeet singh from Other on 05 Sep 2022, 19:13
Please folks , don't make this small , swallow article about politics. It's just a piece about the growing numbers of our citizens discovering the wonderful country of Portugal. A post pandemic population that is ripe for travels and wants to broaden their life experience by visiting an affordable and somewhat conservative
By Paulo Correa from Other on 06 Sep 2022, 13:46
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American tourism breaking records
Send us your comments or opinion on this article.
Portugal has been attracting a significant number of American tourists due to several factors highlighted in the article. As an enthusiast in tourism and travel, I can attest to the multifaceted appeal of Portugal, making it an increasingly popular destination for Americans.
Firstly, safety and quality of life are crucial aspects influencing travel decisions. Portugal's reputation as a safe country coupled with its high quality of life appeals to tourists seeking a secure and pleasant experience. Additionally, the article mentions the positive perception of Portugal as a place to live and work, indicating a broader appeal beyond tourism.
The growth in tourism from the United States to Portugal didn't solely surge due to recent events; it's been an upward trend predating the pandemic. This highlights the enduring attractiveness of Portugal as a destination, and the increasing numbers reflect sustained interest.
The article emphasizes Portugal's rich heritage, culture, and favorable climate conditions as major draws for American tourists. Moreover, the ease of communication with English-speaking locals further enhances the appeal for English-speaking visitors.
Infrastructure plays a pivotal role, and the availability of direct flights from major carriers like TAP, United, and Delta facilitates easier access for American tourists. Additionally, the article notes the physical distance from conflict areas, like the war in Ukraine, as a contributing factor to Portugal's appeal.
Regarding the comments, they reflect diverse perspectives on American politics and society, showing how some Americans perceive Portugal as an escape from perceived domestic challenges.
To encapsulate, the surge in American tourism to Portugal is a result of various factors: safety, quality of life, cultural appeal, ease of travel, and an overall positive experience that attracts visitors seeking diverse experiences beyond their homeland.
