Lisbon, March 22, 2026 (Lusa) - Portuguese demand for Easter trips remains stable compared to 2025, with specific signs of growth, higher prices and a cautious climate that, nonetheless, has not stopped the desire to travel.
Tour operators and travel agencies contacted by Lusa said on Sunday that sales performance was, in general, aligned with 2025, though with different dynamics.
"The volume of sales for the Easter period is globally in line" with 2025, Agência Abreu sales director Pedro Quintela told Lusa.
The operator, Lusanova, was experiencing similar stability. "Easter bookings are proceeding normally, in line with past years. We are not recording significant changes in demand behaviour. Some destinations have higher growth than others, but, overall, demand remains balanced," said operations director Tiago Encarnação.
Solférias pointed to moderate growth, but influenced by external factors.
"So far we have recorded a 7% increase for the Easter period compared to 2025, with sales feeling a decrease compared to expectations due to booking cancellations for destinations affected by the Middle East war," Sónia Regateiro, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), told Lusa.
The US and Israel launched a military attack against Iran on 28 February to "eliminate imminent threats from the Iranian regime".
In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks against targets in Israel, US bases and other infrastructure in countries across the region, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman and Iraq. Incidents with Iranian projectiles also hit Cyprus, Azerbaijan and Turkey.
Pinto Lopes Viagens also noted the sense of caution.
"Easter bookings are progressing positively. In recent weeks, the international context has brought some additional caution from customers, which is natural, especially for trips to regions closer to areas of instability. Still, we continue to feel interest in our offer and have closely monitored customers (...) presenting safe and attractive alternatives," said the CEO.
Rui Pinto Lopes expects a result similar to last year.
"At this stage, our expectation is that the Easter operation will be in line with 2025. Last year's calendar had particularly favourable characteristics, which naturally influenced demand, but even in a different context, we continue to record consistent demand. Rather than talking about growth or a drop, we would say the market is now more cautious and more attentive to the international framework when deciding," he added.
Lusanova also noted that "this season is very much marked by last-minute demand", saying it was "too early to quantify" performance, but they were recording "slight growth" compared to 2025.
Prices have been rising, though at different rates.
"In general, prices do not show very significant differences compared to last year, showing adjustments in line with inflation. Even so, and similar to what was already seen last year, the rise in prices has not stopped demand, reflecting the strong desire of Portuguese people to travel," said Pedro Quintela.
Sónia Regateiro said that "prices are higher, given the general increase in inflation for air and hotel services and recently as a result of the increase in fuel fees by airlines".
Pinto Lopes Viagens also pointed to external factors as decisive, as it works mainly with the international market and, "in this framework, prices continue to be conditioned by various external factors, namely the evolution of exchange rates".
She acknowledged that "there may be some pressure, especially regarding fuel fees applied by airlines, which could also be reflected in other means of transport (...)".
Lusanova acknowledged that the global trend was for "a rise in prices", but stressed that "it depends on the destinations".
MSF/LYT // ADB.
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