GLAMPING IN PORTUGAL

Eden Flaherty

PORTUGAL CORRESPONDENT & PARTNER GLAMPING ADVISORS

Eden Flaherty

How has the glamping industry been affected by the pandemic where you are?

As with many countries, the pandemic has had both negative and positive impacts on the glamping industry in Portugal. That isn’t to say that it hasn’t been a devastating period in general, but in the wake of the pandemic we have seen a resurgence in interest for nature tourism, outdoor activity and wellness, among other trends. These fit into glamping as a whole. The same has been shown through increased demand for more spacious travel accommodation – a far cry from the once-popular megaresorts.

What kind of restrictions has the industry been under?

Glamping is most affected by general restrictions. This includes movement into the country, by international tourists, who represent the biggest market for Portugal, as well as within the country. E.g. the border between Portugal and Spain has been closed for the second time already and flights from the UK banned due to the different covid strains. There have been restrictions on movement between municipalities, especially over the weekend, which of course impacts the number of trips people are able to take.

Do you currently face restrictions? If so, when are they set to be lifted?

Yes, there are restrictions on travel both domestically and internationally as well as the closure of restaurants, bars, cafes, etc., excluding take away and delivery. Nonessential (leisure) trips are forbidden and teleworking is mandatory when possible. There are curfews on businesses, especially regarding the sale of alcohol. These restrictions are enforced through personal and business fines. Current perspective is that restrictions will be lifted after Easter.

Uncertainty surrounding international travel has caused a surge of domestic holidays in the UK, leading to an increase in the popularity of glamping. Has this occurred where you are?

Portugal is seeing a similar interest in rural tourism as a whole, but the country is still working hard to boost international tourism once it is safe. An example of this is the creation of the “Clean and Safe” seal of approval by Turismo de Portugal, which distinguishes tourist activities that are compliant with hygiene and cleaning requirements for the prevention and control of COVID-19.

The biggest difference to the UK market is that whilst the UK usually sees holidaymakers flying out of the country, Portugal is more used to seeing them flying in. In fact, British tourists make up the single largest market for inbound tourism to Portugal.

Are there currently any glamping trends that you are seeing?

Glamping has always been eco-conscious, but we are seeing a growing number of projects with sustainability and ecology at their core. One of them has recently won a contest chaired by the national tourism authority. Add to this the focus on nature, wellness, and adventure tourism that we’ve seen growing in the past few years and it’s created numerous trends driving visitors to glamping.

Any exciting projects that you’d like to talk about?

There are a number of exciting projects in the works at the moment, several with a very heavy focus on ecology and sustainability, which is very exciting. Likewise, do we see professionalization of the sector: larger projects are in the pipeline (than the previously prevailing “mom & pop businesses”), institutional investors are entering the stage, and brands are being set up. Whilst we can’t talk about specifics at length right now, we can say that Portugal is likely to see a great range of alternative, yet professional tourism offerings in the very near future.