First direct flight from the USA to Faro marks a new chapter in Algarve Tourism

Faro Airport will receive the inaugural flight of the new direct connection between New York/Newark, in the United States of America (USA) and the Algarve capital, operated by United Airlines , on Saturday, May 17th.

«This moment marks not only the beginning of a new transatlantic route, but also represents a strategic step in bringing the Algarve closer to one of the international markets with the greatest growth potential in the region», points out the Algarve Tourism Region ( RTA ).

It is worth remembering that the USA is already the seventh most important external market for the Algarve, registering a sustained growing demand since the pandemic.

Last year, although still without direct connections, North American tourists exceeded 500,000 overnight stays in the region, achieving a growth of 13 percent compared to 2023. The number of guests also showed positive evolution, reaching almost 200,000 visitors, an increase of 10.5 percent compared to the previous year.

The implementation of this direct connection is the result of continuous and structured work carried out by RTA, in conjunction with several institutional partners, and is part of a broader external promotion plan that has been intensified in the US and Canadian markets since the beginning of 2024, as a way of capitalizing on this increase in demand.

This year, around a dozen actions have already been carried out specifically aimed at the North American market, with the aim of reinforcing the Algarve's notoriety and attractiveness, stimulating demand for the destination and promoting the sustainability of current and future air connections between the USA and the Algarve.

Among the most recent initiatives, the organisation of two roadshows in the USA stands out, in March and at the beginning of this month, which visited cities such as New York, San Diego, Los Angeles and Boston, and which brought together more than three hundred North American tour operators and travel agents, providing opportunities for direct contact with companies in the Algarve, reinforcing the presence and competitiveness of the destination in this strategic market.

More activities are planned for the end of May, including the participation of Turismo do Algarve in the LE/Miami event, considered one of the most important in the luxury tourism segment on the American continent, and the organization, in partnership with United Airlines, of a familiarization visit to the region aimed at nine travel agents and tour operators from North America, with the aim of deepening these professionals' knowledge of the destination.

This promotional strategy will continue throughout the year, with participation in major events such as the Incentive Live B2B workshop (June); the North America Golf Tourism Convention – IAGTO (June); IMEX America (October); ILTM North America (October); Tfest – Travel Fest (October); and the annual conference of the USTOA – United States Tour Operators Association (December).

«The aim is to reinforce the Algarve's positioning as a leading destination, recognised for the wealth of its offerings and its ability to attract and satisfy the various traveller profiles in the North American market», states the RTA.

To mark United Airlines' inaugural flight, a North American digital influencer was also invited to embark on this first trip for a week of immersion in the Algarve.

During your stay, you will explore some of the region's most iconic locations, producing exclusive content for your followers and helping to raise awareness of the destination among the North American public.

«Given its size, traveler profile and high growth potential, the US market will continue to deserve close attention and a strategy aligned with the Algarve's ambition as a global tourist destination.»

“We want to position the Algarve as a reference in the imagination of travellers looking for a European destination with its own identity, authenticity and a quality offer. We therefore see this new air link as a new chapter of opportunities for the region, which we want to write with consistency and vision for the future”, says André Gomes, president of Turismo do Algarve.

Photo: United Airlines.