Madeira, the Azores, Cape Verde, and Brazil are once again at the top of the Portuguese list of places to travel to for that all important New Year’s Eve party, even though holidays are more expensive this year.
“Sales for the Christmas and New Year’s Eve festive period have been going quite well, and at a slightly higher pace than last year with a greater anticipation in sales. Let’s compare the same period of 2022, from the 20th to the 31st of December. We have an increase of 800 passengers this year,” Solférias Operations Director, Sónia Regateiro, told Lusa.
Also satisfied with their festive season sales is the general director of Nortravel, Nuno Aleixo, and the commercial director of Sonhando, Fernando Bandrés.
“Although we have noticed a slower pace in bookings in recent weeks – which is normal as it is common for consumers to book for the end of the year further in advance compared to other festive periods – we are pleased with the sales,” said Fernando Bandrés.
According to Sonhando’s commercial director, his company still has “opportunities for last-minute customers,” and trusts that the end of the year will close positively in terms of sales. He went on to say that “sales of reservations with departures between the 20th and 31st of December have increased by 47% in passenger volume and 82% in billing volume.”
“However, the gross sales margin is beginning to reflect greater product competition in the market compared to 2022, but it seems that the desire to travel is still very present, even contradicting the news and the economic outlook for 2024,” said Fernando Bandrés, alluding to the inevitable slowdown in the sector.
Nuno Aleixo, on the other hand, said that they are completely booked, but, as a precaution, given the situation, Nortravel adjusted the offer.
“The year was, without a doubt, quite positive globally and the end of the year will be no exception. The supply that has been put on the market has completely sold out, although there is possibly less supply than in other New Year’s Eve years. This year, for example, we did not invest in special operations for the Caribbean. If the supply was more adjusted, it was precisely framed to the demand that existed, so everything is quite well composed,” he said.
Asked if the price hike in travel and tour packages is a reality, everyone agreed that this was the case.
“Prices have effectively increased, either due to the effect of inflation in the various countries or due to the increase in aviation fuel. However, we have maintained our charter operation schedule,” said the head of Solférias. Who further confirmed that it was common for travel prices to increase during the festive season.
“However, we have noticed that outside of this time, we have also been facing increasing costs in airfares and hospitality. The operating costs of these companies have increased due to the prices of fuel, raw materials, electricity, among others. Although we are making efforts to absorb part of this increase in our (profit) margin, a part of this cost will inevitably be passed on to the consumer,” explained Fernando Bandrés.
Regarding destinations, everyone gravitates to “traditional destinations at the end of the year,” with Nortravel’s general manager referring to Madeira as “the number one island in terms of sales.”
Moreover, until four years ago the island of São Miguel, Azores, was relatively undiscovered. Now all that has changed. In addition, Cape Verde has seen a sudden influx of interest throughout the European markets.
This year’s top Christmas and New Year destinations are: Madeira, Brazil, Mexico, São Tomé, the Bijagós Archipelago in Guinea-Bissau, the Spanish Islands, Cuba, and Marrakech.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
