Portugal 'seeing tourist growth surge'

Portugal has seen a major surge in tourist numbers in recent years, it has been stated.

In a development that may interest those looking at investing in Portugal's property market for buy-to-let purposes, figures from the World Trade Organisation have indicated a ten per cent rise in visitor numbers in the country in 2007, with a further increase expected this year, Homes Worldwide reports.

The managing director of property firm Owner Invest Mark Bingham told the portal: "Portugal has proved to be an extremely popular tourist destination in recent years. The increase in visitors has been pivotal in the growing demands on the Portuguese property market."

With its extensive coastline, Portugal may particularly offer good opportunities for those investing in waterfront properties.

Last month, Gulf Times suggested that the best locations included seaside villages such as Carvoeiro in the Algarve, which has grown from a small fishing village into a popular resort in recent decades.