Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The tourist tax in Lisbon will increase, after the approval of the Lisbon City Council, this Wednesday, which enables the proposal of the PSD/ CDS-PP from the increase of 2 € to 4 € of the amount charged per night. From outside are campsites, by approval of a change of PS, and will be updated tourist arrival fee by sea, from 1 € to 2 €. After approval, the proposal is subject to a public consultation period of 30 days to be collected contributions before its entry into force, which should be later this year. Regarding the tourist arrival fee by sea, the impacts of tourist pressure will also be evaluated against the charges and public space available in the city, and it was decided to evaluate, after one year of its application, through the introduction, if feasible , of differentiated criteria for cruise environmental sustainability. For Carlos Moedas, this review is a fair measure for the city and for the locals , indicating that the update will allow to increase the quality of tourism and reinforce investments in several areas: This option to increase the tourist tax results from the conclusion that today tourism in Lisbon needs to contribute more and better to the quality of life of our city. And so also raise the quality of the tourist who seeks us , he said. About Tourism, we advise reading the following topics: Algarve prepares campaign to attract foreign tourists , Tourism revenues: February registers increase of 276,4M€ and More tourists choose Portugal as a destination for luxury holidays
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Cascais was again awarded , this time in the areas of advertising and innovation , by Muse Creative Awards 2024 . At issue is the Golf Passport by Cascais platform, distinguished in the category of tourism website and e-commerce platform. The project, launched by Turismo de Cascais , includes a golf passport of its kind with an innovative digital solution , being the first platform that allows you to make golf reservations of 3-5 laps, in less than a minute, availability in real time and respective prices. Bernardo Corrêa de Barros, president of Turismo de Cascais, says that Cascais is at the forefront of digital innovation aimed at improving the lives of tourists and residents , explaining that now golfers can score with confidence, knowing that this is the fastest, simplest and most cost-efficient way in Portugal to play on different courses . Unique in having technology applicable to any set of golf courses anywhere in the world, Golf Passport promises to pave the way for more innovation and collaboration between destinations, travel partners and golf locations, Jo Maes, commercial director of Zest.golf and responsible for the development of the software used in the platform: this is a world first in the golf travel sector and was achieved through close collaboration between us as a technology supplier, the Visit Cascais tourism council and each of the golf clubs, to provide a fully integrated and highly functional booking solution for tour operators and consumers, collude. More about Cascais that may interest you: Cascais will advance with mega-urbanization in Quinta dos Ingleses , Cascais is recognized as Green Destination
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Algarve Tourism wants to reinforce the arrival of more foreign tourists to the region , namely North American tourists, having prepared several actions to boost the promotion of travel. Some of the municipalities included in this action of the Algarve Tourism are Vila Real de Santo António, Faro, Olhão, Portimão and Albufeira, being thought ten and a half actions to perform throughout this year in Portugal, the United States and Canada. The goal is to promote the district through proposals that show gastronomy, oenology and nature activities of the Algarve region , and the idea arises after having been announced the postponement of a direct flight between Faro and the USA. According to the entity, the Algarve registered, in 2023, an annual growth above 27 percent in the number of guests in the Algarve hotel units , and the trend is positive, It is expected to continue to grow through the displacement of about 200 guests across the Atlantic , including tour operators, journalists and influencers. André Gomes, President of Algarve Tourism, points out: the United States is already the seventh most important foreign market in the region. Visitors to this country, together with those from Canada, seek, and find, in the Algarve, some of the best golf courses and beaches in Europe. Keep abreast: New support for water efficiency in the Algarve: how does it work? , AHETA wants to build social housing to capture manpower and Live 10 minutes from the beach? Realize this dream with SUPERCASA
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Rapid statistics from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) show that air transport continues to rise, continuing to maintain, in February, historical highs of monthly passenger values in Portuguese airports. According to the analysis, there are 76,000 passengers to make, on average, a daily landing, corresponding to an increase of 4% compared to the values calculated in 2023. The Portuguese are travelling more to France , and this was the main destination of origin and destination of flights, although it has slowed to 6.6% in the number of passengers landed. The value is similar in the number of passengers on board, which was set at 6.4%. Compared to the same period last year, they are -6.6% and -6.4%, respectively. Spain is also one of the passengers favourite destinations in Portugal, followed by the UK. It is also concluded that, in February, national airports handled 19,600 tons of cargo and mail, which means an increase of 16.3% over the same period. This topic may also interest you: More tourists choose Portugal as a luxury holiday destination
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The National Institute of Statistics (INE) released on Monday that Portuguese tourism continues to grow, and its revenues increased 13% to 276.4 million euros during the month of February. Compared to the same month last year, there is still an increase of 7.0% in the number of guests, an increase of 6.4% in the number of overnight stays and an additional 13.1% in income. Regarding this trend, Statistics Portugal states that in February 2024 there were 1.8 million guests and 4.6 million overnight stays , which means increases of 6.6% and 5.8%, respectively in all tourist accommodation facilities, adding that, The overnight stays of residents increased by 2.7% and those of non-residents grew by 7.4% , reads the statistical report on tourism activity. Although the main indicators have grown, there has been a slowdown in the income obtained from the rooms in the accommodation , however, the highest value continues to be verified in Greater Lisbon (107.8 euros), followed by Madeira, with 85.6 euros. However, all regions had growth since indicator. As regards income per available room, there was an acceleration , having grown 4.5% to 37.8 euros in February, compared to the same period in 2023. Regarding overnight stays, the Portuguese statistics institute states that the municipality of Lisbon concentrated 24.3% of total overnight stays (12.1% of total overnight stays of residents and 30.3% of non-residents and, among the municipalities with more expressiveness in the total overnight stays in the month under analysis, Lisbon (8.3%) and Porto (10.5%) continue to stand out. Related news: More tourists choose Portugal as a luxury holiday destination , Portugal won 31 awards at the World Travel Awards
Source: Aldeias Históricas de Portugal Author: Redaction If you are looking for an enriching cultural experience, where you can not only explore landscapes and nature reserves, but also a series of adventures and other activities, Castelo Rodrigo is one of the 12 Historical Villages of Portugal that you really have to visit. Belonging to the parish of the municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, it is surrounded by monumental spaces that will transport you to medieval times. What can you visit in Castelo Rodrigo? The variety of monuments will surprise you, but we suggest, mainly, a visit to the Castle, which is the main attraction of the village, imposing for its medieval design and which will provide you with a unique experience, the panoramic views over the region that will make you return in time and, soon after, we recommend you to explore the Citadel , where you will find narrow streets, stone houses and several points of interest, such as the Church of San Salvador, the Governor’s House and the Keep. If you prefer a cultural passage, the mandatory recommendation is the Côa Museum, where you will get to know the history of the region and the collection of rock prints with more than 25,000 years. Other points of visit we suggest: • Douro International Natural Park: this park covers part of the municipalities of Miranda do Douro, including the parish of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, and is an excellent option if you prefer to explore the surroundings. You will find river beaches and unmissable trails. • History Zone: inside the village of Castelo Rodrigo, you will find a series of traces of the past that will make you travel back in time to discover the medieval Jewish Quarter, the House of Mercy or the Church Matiz. What’s it like living in this historic village? The natural landscape of Castelo Rodrigo will surround you with history and beauty, being an ideal village for lovers of hiking, cycling or outdoor activities . Then, on a historical level, the heritage is vast and very complete, with lots of places of interest that will take you on a real history lesson . T he community of Castelo Rodrigo is extremely welcoming and hospitable, so you can expect a warm and happy stay, but also with the advantage of having a low cost of living , which is significantly lower than in the large surrounding Portuguese cities. And finally, one of the most appreciated points, is the security that the inhabitants feel, being able to walk leisurely through the streets at any time of the day, without any kind of problem, as it is an extremely peaceful and peaceful locality. On the other hand, by living in this village so aged, you may feel isolated and displaced from large cities, because the fact of being part of a rural area, without great infrastructure, and also the fact of having a relatively complicated car access, especially for those who come from outside, which hinders access to the cities of the periphery. Still, Castelo Rodrigo is a living postcard of obligatory visit for any Portuguese who wants to know a little of the historical past. It is a welcoming village that offers hospitality, history, natural beauty and contact with nature. And for all these reasons, Castelo Rodrigo can be the ideal place for you! If you are looking for houses in this region you will find several options in SUPERCASA
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The new support for water efficiency in the Algarve, for companies in the tourism sector , was presented last March with the motto save water, protect the future , and the rules on how it will work are now known. This is support for Algarve companies in the tourism sector that can demonstrate investments to improve their water efficiency , for which support totalling ten million euros has been allocated. The aim is to incentivise and improve the management of the Algarve regions water reserves , avoiding future supply problems and leading to greater control over the drought situations reported in recent months. To implement these measures, a water efficiency recognition label called Save Water has been created , which will be awarded to companies with tourist resorts that show that they have adopted practices and measures to rationalise water use . To this end, a support line has been set up to encourage this type of company to join. Who can apply for support and what benefits can it offer? According to the decree published in the Diário da República last Thursday, 4 April, companies can apply for water efficiency support if they can prove that they are open for business in the tourism sector and are in good standing, with investments of more than 10,000 euros in water solutions . If eligible, these applications can receive 50 per cent of the eligible expenses, up to a maximum of 50,000 euros per company. Eligible projects are those with a CAE for tourism in rural tourism establishments, hotels or camping and caravanning sites, as well as projects whose aim is to realise investments with an eligible expenditure value of 10,000 euros or more . Projects with a maximum implementation period of 12 months or which have not been started by the time the application is submitted can also apply, as well as being aligned with the action plan for implementing the measures eligible for the Save Water label . Thus, selected companies can receive support that includes, among several other possibilities, the purchase of water-efficient devices and equipment, auditing or consultancy to implement measures to improve, monitor and control reuse systems or cover the costs of training or capacity building for employees with the aim of adopting good practices to reduce water consumption or cover expenses when the intervention of auditors or accountants is required to validate the expense of payment requests, up to a limit of 15 per cent of the amount invested and with a limit of 2,500 euros. Excluded from the benefits of the support are the costs of buying property or work done by the company for itself, as well as cash payments , and there is a limit of one application per company. How can you formalise your application? The application must be made formally on the Turismo de Portugal helpline or electronically, by sending the appropriate form available on the Turismo de Portugal website. Accompanying this form, you must also submit documents such as the authorisation for electronic consultation of the tax and social security situation, a tax return, the access code to the permanent certificate of commercial registration and proof of IBAN. Once the application has been submitted, Turismo de Portugal has 20 working days to analyse the applications submitted and, if they are accepted, an initial automatic advance will be made once the terms of acceptance have been validated. This advance will be equivalent to 50 per cent of the approved incentive, and the final payment will only be made on the basis of the declaration of expenditure on the eligible investment. Read also: Portuguese companies have record levels of financial autonomy
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: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Visiting Trás-os-Montes is synonymous with unique experiences and characteristics, marked by stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. For residents, the lifestyle is quiet and peaceful, characterized by a lush nature that includes mountains, valleys, rivers and plateaus. The whole region is a paradise for lovers of this type of natural scenery, as it offers an opportunity for hiking, cycling and bird watching or other outdoor activities. What is there in this natural retreat? In addition to the mountains and the variety of attractions available to visitors, from landscapes to charming villages, Trás-os-Montes brings together a number of options for those looking for a dynamic holiday or a pleasant walk . This region includes the municipalities of Alfândega da Fé , Bragança , Macedo de Cavaleiros , Miranda do Douro , Mirandela , Mogadouro , Vila Flor , Vimioso and Vinhais . Discover some of the places not to be missed! Montesinho Natural Park The Douro International Natural Park Viewpoints In the Montesinho Natural Park, you will find mountains covered with forests, rivers and waterfalls and is ideal for hiking, cycling and nature observation . In the Douro International Natural Park, there are gorges carved by the river with breathtaking views. As for the viewpoints, we recommend visiting the most famous ones, such as São Leonardo, in Miranda do Douro, and Fraga da Pegada, Mogadouro. Which villages should you visit? Miranda do Douro This is a historic city with a strong cultural and linguistic identity. Known for its Carnival and its typical houses with wooden balconies, it is a village not to be missed. Bragança You will remember this city by its walls, which constitute the medieval castle, and a well-preserved historic center. Mogadouro This village has a beautiful historic center and a museum dedicated to local culture, where you will get to know its stories and traditions. Vinhais The village is known for its almonds and its Port wine, but you can visit historical sites with beautiful landscapes. Festivals, traditions and traditional dishes not to be missed If you are looking for animation and a good Portuguese conviviality, in Trás-os-Montes you will find a variety of traditions and other attractions that will leave you surrendered to the transmontana culture, namely the festivals of popular saints , where you will find religious celebrations with arraiais , bonfires and popular music , or the dance of the pauliteiros of Miranda . Another of the biggest events in Trás-os-Montes is Carnival, where you can find the Caretos de Podence with their traditional colorful masks. On a gastronomic level, the suggestion is that you taste the DOP ham from Trás-os-Montes, with its intense flavor and unique texture, the alheira , traditionally made with bread, meat and spices, the Mirandesa steak and the goat cheese. Have you surrendered to this region? See houses for sale at SUPERCASA if you are considering moving
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction According to a study by the Collaborative Laboratory for Labour, Employment and Social Protection (CoLabor) published this Wednesday, there is a noticeable difference between real wages and productivity, especially in the tourism and real estate sectors. According to the data, real wages are growing at a slower rate than productivity . Frederico Cantante, researcher at CoLabor, professor at ISCTE and author of the study, points out: with regard to the relationship between wages and productivity, it can be seen that, since 2013, the average real earnings of workers have evolved below the average real productivity, with the exception of 2020, the year in which the Covid-19 pandemic had pronounced economic impacts. Thus, between 2013 and 2022, real wages increased by 10.6 per cent compared to 18.7 per cent for real productivity, with a difference of 8.1 per cent between each indicator. The period following the Great Recession was, above all, marked by a mismatch between the evolution of wages and productivity and, looking ahead to 2022, it is possible to conclude that average real earnings have fallen, mainly due to historic levels of inflation. Even so, in that year, real productivity grew. In the national labour market, it is the accommodation, catering and similar sectors that stand out with the biggest gaps, which are particularly acute . On the other hand, in these sectors, average real earnings rose by 19.4 per cent, while productivity stood at 54.7 per cent, a difference of 35.3 percentage points. In real estate there was also a gap between the evolution of wages and productivity, with real earnings rising by 8.6 per cent compared to 43.4 per cent for productivity , a difference of 34.8 percentage points. Agriculture, animal production, hunting, forestry and fishing, as well as wholesale and retail trade, also saw differences, in addition to the motor vehicle and motorbike repair sector, with gaps of 25.2 per cent and 24.1 per cent respectively, both higher than the national average. Manufacturing industries saw their gains advance by 15.6 per cent compared to 26.8 per cent in productivity, a difference of 11.2 percentage points. In the opposite direction, the extractive industries saw a higher growth in earnings than in productivity, with a difference of 3.9 per cent. Among the sectors where at least one of the indicators fell, transport and storage and the electricity, gas, steam, hot and cold water and air conditioning sector stand out. In the former, productivity fell while average earnings rose, and in the latter, both productivity and real average earnings fell. Also find out about these topics: Inflation in Portugal rose 2.3 per cent in March , above the EU average , Older companies have the highest turnover and Wages in the Eurozone slow growth
Source: SUPERCASA Author: Redaction It is in the Metropolitan Area of Porto that you find the charming city of Póvoa de Varzim , which with its beaches and maritime tradition appeals to tourists and visitors who seek to relax between its history and culture so marked. It is distinguished by being one of the best urban centers to live in Portugal , with a quality of life above average and a friendly, welcoming and helpful community. In addition, it is a meeting place for travelers and tourists, with beautiful beaches, a casino and golf courses. Come with us to explore this wonderful city! History and culture Located on the northern coast of Portugal, Póvoa de Varzim has its roots in the tradition of the sea and fishermen, with its beaches of yellow sand. As you wander the streets, you’ll get a glimpse of this same heritage, where you’ll breathe in the city’s culture and identity. One of the most important monuments is the Mother Church, which impresses with its baroque construction and dominates the city center. However, if you are looking for a more didactic place, the suggestion is the Municipal Museum of Ethnography and History of Póvoa de Varzim , where you will find the historical remains of the foundations of the city and other ludic-pedagogical activities. Nature and beaches For beach lovers, Póvoa de Varzim is a city privileged for its Atlantic coast beaches, with stunning views that attract swimmers and surfers throughout the year. Praia da Redonda and Praia da Fragosa are just two of the many options you can explore. As for other types of natural sites, we suggest the parks and trails that surround the city, such as the City Park or the Laúndos Natural Park , which offer a quiet refuge from the urban bustle. Gastronomy Póvoa de Varzim is a city rich in gastronomy , with fresh seafood being the ex-libris of local menus, integrating stews and traditional seafood rice. The local restaurants will provide you with real delights for the palate, which you can then join a stroll by the sea, making the experience even more unforgettable. What is it like to live in Póvoa de Varzim? If you would like to live in Póvoa de Varzim, we can assure you that it is a positive experience. With great hospitality, you will feel welcomed and have all the essential amenities around you, with a wide variety of public transport, leisure options and cultural events. In addition, being strategically located just a few kilometers from Porto, they make Póvoa de Varzim one of the most vibrant cities in the northern region, with easy access to the metropolis and a wide range of professional, educational and cultural opportunities. Looking for a home? See the options we’ve put together for you. Apartment T3 - 275.000€ Apartment T4 - 365.000€ Duplex T4 - 420.000€ Discover also Azenhas do Mar: opt for the calm lifestyle of this village