Portuguese holiday resort operators are worried that they are already feeling a chill wind from the impending departure of the UK from the EU next March, as bookings are much lower than usual so far.
Guests from Britain account for 21% of Portugal’s tourism economy, and 28% of the hotel stays. Overall, tourism accounts for 7% of Portugal’s economy. Portugal’s tourism minister told Lusa News Agency that “There are some question marks for the UK tour operators with the uncertainty and the consequences of Brexit.”
Britain and Europe are still negotiating the divorce deal, hoping to strike a deal that will not disrupt free movement and continuing airline and train traffic, but since the details are still unsettled, it appears that many people are holding off making plans and reservations yet. November and December are normally the months the bookings start to roll in.
