Real Estate & Travel News in Portugal from Propertyshowrooms.com

New flights to boost Portuguese tourism

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Property investors in Portugal are sure to be please by news that low-fare airline Jet2 will be adding two new flights to the country from the UK.

The news could lead to an increase in the number of buy-to-let investors active in the country who are looking to capitalise on its growing tourism market.

It means that the carrier will be increasing its total capacity to more than 300,000 seats, something which Stephen Anderson, of Infinito Real, believes demonstrates a growing confidence in the area.

"Budget airlines have been the making of many resort areas throughout Europe over recent years," he said.

"As well as increasing accessibility, this is a positive step for tourism and investors, as more competition will drive prices down and ultimately more people to the area."

It follows recent news that, despite the economic downturn, the Algarve has continued to be a popular destination for holidaymakers. Mr Anderson added that 2010 was recently named as the best year on record for the tourism industry in Portugal.

Algarve to become more popular in 2011

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Less well-known areas in the Algarve are likely to grow in popularity this year, the Portuguese region's tourist board has claimed.

Indeed, as individuals continue to look for back-to-basics holiday packages and travel options, people will increasingly head to the more natural "beautiful" areas that are located within the region.

The news may be of interest to those looking to buy property in Portugal, with a jump in tourist numbers helping to boost the country's buy-to-let market.

Nuno Aires, president of the Algarve Tourism Board, confirmed the rising trend of holidaymakers hoping to get closer to nature.

"People are more and more focused on nature and the beautiful natural parts will grow [in popularity]," he added.

The comments come in the wake of a recent report from TravelSupermarket.com which named the Algarve as one of the top ten destinations for holidays this year.

And many Brits opting to travel to the region will find that they are able to capitalise on the euro's current weakness against the sterling.

October set to be busy for Portugal property enquiries

Sat, 2 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

For the past decade October has proven to be the busiest month of the year for property enquiries in Portugal, one agent has claimed.

Infinito Real has revealed that the month usually brings with it a sharp rise in the number of client appointments and viewing trips, with 2010 proving to be no exception.

The company explained that, with homeowners keen to offload property during the winter months, there is more chance of securing a discount, which is sure to be good news for those looking at property for sale in Leiria or Faro property.

Managing director of Infinito Real, Stephen Anderson, said that Portugal is always a popular destination for travellers during the summer months

"October is the perfect time for a potential purchaser to look around to see what is available. The same principles apply whether buying a holiday home for private use or an investor looking for a good return on their outlay," he explained.

"Portugal is always among the top 20 most visited destinations in the world and is particularly popular with Brits."

Tourism industry supportive of flood clean up in Madeira

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Individuals with a property interest in the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira may be interested in news that work has begun to repair damage sustained by the island after flash floods caused widespread devastation.

According to a report by Overseas Property Professional (OPP), the tourism districts of Estrada Monumental and Lido are back operating at their usual capacity, with the airport and harbour both still open.

John Ward, of developer Morgan Forbes, said that the island's reputation would be further cemented if the clear up was swift.

He explained to OPP: "Tourism is affected by how quickly you can respond to this kind of event.

"If things can be turned around in four or five weeks it will put the scale of the problem into perspective. This definitely isn't going to set the island back more than that."

Madeira is a popular year-round resort, famed for its wine, flowers and embroidery artists.

Portugal offers a "unique experience"

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Individuals with property in Portugal will be boosted by claims that the country offers travellers a "unique experience", while remaining good value.

The comments come after the country was named as one of the top five destinations that will see a growth in popularity this year by online travel agent sunshine.co.uk.

An increase in the number of tourists shunning Spain and booking holidays to the Mediterranean destination was also seen by the website.

A spokesperson for cheapflights.co.uk highlighted the potential of Portugal, saying: "Portugal does offer a unique experience. From the cultural highlights of Lisbon to the mountainous coastline of the Algarve, Portugal's bustling cities, gorgeous scenery and lively culture make for an excellent holiday."

Furthermore, they pointed out that travel to the country is becoming more affordable thanks to a strengthening GBP.

Meanwhile, overseas property investors will be pleased by the results of the Wanderlust and AITO travel survey, which shows that overall, people are more positive in their travel plans for the coming year.

Algarve property 'offers autumnal sunshine'

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Algarve offers a climatic treat with its sunny weather providing a taste of summer well into autumn, it has been noted.

In a feature on the region, the Daily Telegraph stated that the average temperature in September is 26 C and in October it is 22 C, which makes it good for autumn holidays.

Those wishing to move overseas might want to take advantage of the warmer climate for the whole year by buying a home in the region.

People considering purchasing in Portugal may see their property gain in value due to improved transport links, which could include new high-speed rail connections.

Spain is planning to build such railways and link them to Portugal, with the go-ahead for a connection to Lisbon being dependent on the outcome of the imminent Portuguese general election.

Prime minister Jose Socrates is keen to see the project go ahead, but opposition leader, Social Democrat Manuela Ferreira Leite, has pledged to suspend the project to curb public spending.

Algarve golf resorts 'raising the bar'

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Algarve's golf resorts are some of the best in the world, it has been claimed.

Professional Golfers Association website Golf International said the Portuguese region "has an enviable selection of some of the world's premiere golf resorts that have raised the bar and are setting new standards".

The portal listed the Quinta do Lago development as the main trend-setter in the region, with other sites such as Vila Sol, Vale do Lobo, Penina and Vilamoura being described as "each a first-rate resort".

Such quality may help those investing in property in the region enjoy good rental income as people come to play the sport on its many courses.

Last month, developer Unique Living said the Portugal is the best place in the world to own golf property, describing the Algarve as a "natural home" for the golfing fraternity.

It noted that Portugal is among six countries bidding to host the 2018 Ryder Cup.

Portugals tourism chief visits UK

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Portuguese tourism minister Bernardo Trindade is heading to the UK this week to raise awareness of his country as a tourism destination.

He is expected to meet with representatives of major tour operators and airlines during his visit, which is designed to strengthen Portugal's tourism sector in the face of major economic challenges.

The country recently announced plans to boost its funding of tourism by 20% in a bid to attract more holidaymakers to the country, which is already popular with golf tourists, city breakers and overseas property investors.

Mr Trindade said: "The tourism market is facing tough times across the whole of Europe.

"However, Portugal is committed to overcoming these challenges by investing in the promotion of our country in the UK and maintaining our status as a popular tourist destination."

Homes Worldwide recently reported that the northern region of Portugal is currently attracting much interest from overseas property buyers.

Visit our off-plan property Portugal page.

Two new luxury golf developments to be built on Madeira

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Plans for two new golf courses and luxury property developments on Madeira are reportedly close to being finalised, offering a "good property investment opportunity". A similar scheme is also being planned on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo.

Property investors will be able to choose from two new luxury golf developments on Madeira, according to Homesoverseas.co.uk. Work is due to commence on the schemes, the Calheta Golf Course in the Ponta do Pargo region and another in the Sao Vicente area further north, next year. The developments should be completed by 2011

"Golf is a great catalyst for attracting high net worth individuals and boosting local infrastructure facilities. Expect properties located in and around these prospective courses to appreciate over the next few years - a potentially good property investment opportunity," writes Homesoverseas.co.uk.

Details of the luxury property developments have not yet been made public, but it is claimed that local authorities are buying up the land adjacent to the Calheta Golf Course with the aim of building a major residential development.

Nick Faldo will be behind the Calheta Golf Course and it is thought that Severiano Ballesteros will put his name to the course in the Sao Vicente area as well as another on neighbouring Porto Santo, which is due to be completed in the same time frame.

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 holiday home website.

Algarve attracts British tourists

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Owners of rental accommodation in the Algarve could be set to see strong demand this summer, experts have suggested.

According to Holidays-Direct, the Portuguese tourist hotspot has attracted considerable interest from British holidaymakers in the last few months.

The online travel agency said that during the year to date, it has been the subject of the most searches on its website.

This has prompted it to predict that lots of British holidaymakers will flock to the region for their summer holidays this year.

As a result, owners of buy-to-let property in the Algarve should benefit from higher occupancy rates and rental returns.

Jon Pearce, spokesperson for Holidays-Direct, commented: "With some of Europe's most attractive and cleanest beaches, exceptional landscapes and year round sunshine, the Algarve is quite rightly a holiday hotspot for British tourists looking for some sun."

He added that the region is proving to be popular because it offers lots of leisure attractions at a "relatively cheap" price.

According to ShelterOffshore.com, Portugal offers both year-round sunshine and a strong tourist trade.

Portugal attracts Irish property buyers

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Irish consumers are increasingly snapping up holiday homes in Portugal's Algarve region, according to a media outlet.

The Irish Independent stated that the Algarve has become popular with overseas property buyers because it is a largely unspoiled location that offers good weather all year round.

Portugal's proximity to Ireland was highlighted as another factor in its favour, as it means it does not take long to reach the country by air.

The newspaper observed: "Portugal is now one of the most popular European countries for Irish second home owners."

In addition, it said that overseas property investors would be able to benefit from a sustainable investment in the country.

These factors may also account for Portugal's current popularity among second home buyers from the UK.

According to Country Life magazine, about 11,000 British nationals now own a holiday home in the country.

Meanwhile, 38,000 people have decided to leave the UK and set up home in Portugal on a permanent basis.

Irish plan to escape rain next summer

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The torrential rain that hit Ireland during the summer has prompted many to plan their summer holidays earlier than usual.

According to Budget Travel, 2007's downpours caused such demand for last-minute breaks that there was not enough room to cater for everybody.

Therefore, many Irish consumers are now apparently trying to beat the rush in order to avoid missing out on seeing the sun this summer.

Head of marketing at Budget Travel Clem Walshe said that Portugal was proving to be an especially popular destination, particularly the Algarve region.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, he commented: "People definitely got caught out last summer.

"We have already seen clear evidence of people saying 'I'm not going to get caught out again'."

This comes after Irish holiday firm Limerick Travel reported an increase in the number of people heading abroad for Christmas.

Company director Tony Brazil told the Limerick Post that many of these were second home owners with properties in destinations that offered sunshine during the winter months.

Irish holiday home owners 'go abroad for Christmas'

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Travel agents in Ireland have reported an increase in the number of people heading abroad this Christmas.

Tony Brazil of Limerick Travel said that a record number of Irish people were opting to go overseas for the holiday season.

He stated that many of these were second home owners who owned properties in destinations that offered sunshine during the winter months.

Speaking to the Limerick Post, Mr Brazil commented: "There are a huge of people now who own accommodation abroad and are spending the holidays in places like Malaga or Portugal."

He added that in terms of the number of bookings for December holidays, the company was "substantially" ahead of the same time last year.

Mr Brazil said this showed that travelling abroad was widely seen to be good value, hence the "good growth" in the market.

Earlier this week, the Association of British Travel Agents reported on a similar trend in the UK.

The organisation said that about 3.5 million people had chosen to leave the country and enjoy the Christmas festivities abroad.

British buyers advised to invest in Portugal

Thu, 6 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Prospective holiday home buyers from the UK have been encouraged to look at the Portuguese market.

Country Life magazine that British property investors would benefit from year-round sunshine in Portugal, making it a good place to visit at any time.

The Algarve was highlighted as one area that was especially popular with UK holidaymakers, as it provided a number of different attractions.

For example, it was said to offer a good selection of restaurants, golf courses and high-quality beaches.

"These areas provide everything British sunseekers require," the magazine commented.

Country Life added that Portugal was already a highly popular destination among British property buyers, including the 38,000 people who had decided to set up home there permanently.

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of UK citizens opting to move abroad reached record levels last year, with 207,000 people leaving the country.

Portugal 'offers family-friendly resorts'

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

An overseas investor has described the Silver Coast area of Portugal as a good holiday destination for families.

David Heaton, a married father of two and investor, said his new apartment in the region would be "great" for family holidays and short breaks.

He told Homes Worldwide that the Silver Coast was much quieter and "less touristy" than other places, while still giving people plenty to do.

"We feel there is actually more to do here, especially for the kids as they get older," Mr Heaton continued.

He praised the history and authenticity of the region, as it made him feel as if they were in the "real" Portugal.

In addition, he highlighted the large range of adventure activities available in the Silver Coast, including sailing, surfing, paragliding and golf.

Earlier this week, NatWest International said that properties located close to leisure facilities such as golf courses were highly sought after.

Portugal has 'investment property potential'

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The Portuguese property market has strong investment potential for foreign buyers according to experts at Holidaylettings.co.uk, suggesting that investors looking for lucrative opportunities could do well to focus on the country in the foreseeable future.

Traditional favourites such as France and Spain are being challenged by a number of emerging hotspots, of which Portugal is believed to be a forerunner.

Figures from Holidaylettings.co.uk reveal that Portugal is among the top five countries adding the largest number of new holiday homes to the market over the past year, indicative of continued strong demand.

Buy-to-let investors can subsequently expect strong rental demand and appreciating property values ahead, as demand for holiday homes continues to grow.

It has been found that Portugal has had the strongest holiday home growth in western Europe during the past year. Ross Elder of Holidaylettings.co.uk highlights demand as key to future developments.

"It is vital for investors that there is a sufficient tourism draw and affordable flights are available in order for holidaymakers to be drawn to these areas," he stated.

Nonetheless, HiFX highlights Spain as the top destination for UK buyers abroad, as it continues to attract a high level of investment activity.