Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Foreign consumption during Easter week represented 26% of the total turnover recorded in Portugal, between 25 and 31 March 2024. This is the main conclusion of REDUNIQ Insights, REDUNIQ’s report, sent in a statement to SUPERCASA Notícias . It was the contribution of tourists from Spain (12%), the United Kingdom (12%), the United States (11%), Ireland (11%) and Germany (8%) that most boosted the performance of Portuguese businesses. Data that Tiago Oom, Chief Commercial Officer of UNICRE and official spokesperson of REDUNIQ Insights, considers very positive, and that reflect the growth curve of Portugal’s demand as a holiday destination, a trend that has been consolidated in recent years. At the same time, the expert also points out as a positive point the fact that this trend is crucial for the digitalization of business, since it is foreign consumers who are the first to bring a need for new forms of payment, scenario that results in a greater interest of traders in incorporating these new methods and responding to emerging consumer behaviors. When analyzing the regions where the weight of foreign consumption was more expressive, during Easter week, the regions of Madeira (47%), Faro (46%), Lisbon (27%) and Viana do Castelo (27%) stand out . Specifically in the hotel and tourism sector, the weight of foreign turnover stood at 78%, with the districts of Faro (86%), Madeira (86%), Lisbon (83%) and Porto (78%) having a demand equal to or higher than last year. In the catering sector, the weight of foreign consumption reached 36%, especially the regions of Faro and Madeira, which registered a value of 63% and 53%, respectively. National consumption also increased during the Easter weekend (from 29 to 31 March), compared to last year, registering a growth in turnover and the number of transactions of 12% and 10%, respectively. Indicators that justify the increase in total turnover of 8% over the Easter period of 2023. When analyzing the dates of higher consumption, the Portuguese acquirer concluded that on Thursday (March 28) there was a growth of 44% compared to the average of the remaining Thursdays in March . Regarding Good Friday (March 29), there was a 10% increase in turnover compared to Good Friday last year (April 7, 2023) and also a positive evolution compared to the average of the remaining Fridays of March this year (+22%). In a finer analysis, and making a comparison between the days before Easter and the average of the rest of March 2024, it is noteworthy a growth of 34% and 33%, respectively, for Friday and Saturday. Discover more topics like this in SUPERCASA Notícias
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Civil servants will be granted time off on the afternoon of 28 March, Maundy Thursday . This grace was granted by the government to mark the Easter festivities, giving public workers the chance to enjoy the eve of the Good Friday bank holidays that precedes the Easter weekend, which takes place on Sunday 31 March. According to the Cabinet of the still Prime Minister António Costa, considering that it is common practice for many people to travel away from their places of residence during the Easter period in order to hold family reunions, the government has decided to grant time off in the afternoon of Maundy Thursday, 28 March, to workers exercising public functions in the States direct administration services, whether central or deconcentrated, and in public institutes . Only services and organisations that, for reasons of public interest, must remain in operation during that period, under terms to be defined by the competent member of the government will remain functional. On the subject of Easter, why not read Easter holidays: Discover the best destinations in Portugal
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The year 2023 is almost over and its the perfect time to look to the future and plan your diary using all the existing holidays and bridges. Its time to organise your calendar and take stock of your holiday days , optimising their management so that you can benefit from a few extra days off! To get a head start on 2024 , and with some advance planning, SUPERCASA Notícias brings you next years calendar, which you can manage as you see fit to make the most of all the days off to which you are entitled, and enjoy a full, restful year in which you can create the opportunity for new experiences and memories . What are the public holidays and bridges in 2024? 1 January, New Years Day, celebrated on a Monday; 13 February , Carnival Day, which will be celebrated on Tuesday, allowing for a bridge on the previous Monday; 29 March, Good Friday, which follows Easter on Sunday 31 March. You can get three days off; 25 April , on a Thursday, marking the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution; May 1 , Labour Day, allows you to take a break in the middle of the week, as it falls on a Wednesday; 30 May , Corpus Christi Day, falls on a Thursday with the possibility of a long weekend break; 10 June , Camões and Portuguese Communities Day, on a Monday; 15 August , on a Thursday, marks the Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary; 5 October, on a Saturday, celebrates the Day of the Implantation of the Republic; 1 November , on a Friday, opens for three consecutive days of rest to celebrate All Saints Day; 1 December, on a Sunday, marks the Restoration of Independence; 8 December , marks Immaculate Conception Day, also on a Sunday; 25 December, Christmas Day, will be celebrated on a Wednesday. As usual in January, the year 2024 opens with the New Years holiday on a Monday, saving you a days work. The same will happen in the last month of 2024, with December giving you a present on Christmas Day, which will be celebrated on a Wednesday, in the middle of the week , preceded by a day off for Christmas Eve, which you can use as a bridge. In February, youll be entitled to a public holiday on Shrove Tuesday, the 13th, if the government decrees it . However, if you cant take advantage of this day, in March you can mark Easter with a long weekend on the 31st, preceded by Good Friday on the 29th. In the second quarter of the year, you can celebrate the 50th anniversary of 25 April with the possibility of a bridge, as the public holiday falls on a Thursday, which you can extend to the Labour Day holiday on 1 May. At the end of May, it will benefit from Corpus Christi Day, on 30 May, which falls on a Thursday, opening up the possibility of a longer weekend. The Day of Portugal, Camões and the Portuguese Communities, on 10 June, falls on a Monday , making for another long weekend, and those who live in Lisbon will have 13 June to enjoy, on a Thursday, with festivities all week long! There are no public holidays to mark the start of the second half of the year, but if you wait until August, you can enjoy the 15th of August and its festivities, with the possibility of an extended weekend, since it falls on a Thursday, so you can combine the useful with the pleasant and book your holidays around this time. October sees the return of a public holiday, this time on a Saturday, to mark the 5th of October. In December, two of the public holidays will be during the weekend , but you can take advantage of the rest, with room to optimise the days you have available for holidays, and plan your 2024 in a big way! Read also: Christmas diary: 5 suggestions around the country to celebrate with the family
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction There are a little over two weeks left until Easter , which is a very appealing time for kids and adults alike. From the usual Easter eggs, chocolates and almonds, its a time when many people take the opportunity to take a holiday, accompanying the period of their childrens school holidays. With the arrival of spring and the sun, longer days and higher temperatures, there is a great desire to discover new places, something you can take advantage of this holiday period that is approaching. Why not start planning your itinerary now? SUPERCASA Notícias brings you the suggestions of the most attractive destinations to visit in Portugal, so you can make the most of the season and relax in the most beautiful and suitable places for the season. 1. Castelo de Vide If you still dont know this charismatic Alentejo town, it is time to discover it! It is one of the most beautiful places you will visit and it is perfect for an Easter holiday with the family or with your partner. You can stroll through the typical streets, full of secular heritage, and see the Jewish heritage by which it is marked. You will also have contact with Catholic traditions and rituals, and you can attend the Easter Vigil that brings the whole community together. 2. Óbidos Located a few minutes away from Lisbon, the town of Óbidos is ideal for those who want a trip back in time. Full of medieval elements, this is the ideal retreat for those looking for not only a complete Easter experience, since during eight days you will be able to follow several religious celebrations, but also a cultural tour full of traditional elements to discover. You can taste the famous ginja (cherry liqueur) in a chocolate glass and eat some delicious kisses from Caldas , a nearby town that you can also visit, discovering its typical ceramics and beautiful green spaces. 3. Aveiro If you want a more tranquil trip, we recommend Aveiro . You can venture out on a moliceiro boat and enjoy the famous ovos moles, typical of the region, or the tripe, which you can eat plain, filled with egg jam or chocolate jam. It is a perfect programme for those who like to escape the big crowds and enjoy the good sunshine of these longer days. 4. Braga A little over an hour from Aveiro, if you want a more dynamic visit, take the car and go to Braga ! Full of cultural elements, art and history, it is a destination that will leave you surrendered. However, especially during Easter time, you will see the new life of the city with the Easter celebrations, which bring a lot of people to the city. You can visit the monuments and enjoy the typical gastronomy. 5. Lisbon For a more cosmopolitan programme head to the capital and discover the various thematic activities, from Easter egg hunts to tasting the typical folares and almonds. There are several pastry shops in the city that fill their windows with cakes alluding to the festive season and engage in the confection of typical sweets, which you can taste while enjoying the view of the Tagus River. Have you already decided your Easter destination? Hit the road and celebrate this festivity, following all the tips and suggestions from SUPERCASA Notícias
In Lisbon and its surroundings there is no shortage of concepts with special brunches with everything youre entitled to, from starters to main courses and desserts. Since the end of March, the Marriott hotel in the capital city has had a late breakfast menu for spring. Here you can choose to eat outside, by the pool, or inside the restaurant. In the latter case you will be closer to the buffet area. The Citrus restaurant is where guests breakfasts are served. However, you dont need to sleep in the hotel to enjoy this Easter meal with the whole family. Desserts will not mention the sweets of the season, as is the case of the folar. And it is also in a hotel that you will find Matiz. In this space in Avenida da Liberdade brunch is also served as a buffet. It has hot, cold and dessert areas. Oysters, steamed mussels and stuffed crabs, beef carpaccio, seafood cream, and garlic prawns are some of the suggestions.