This is according to a Condé Nast Johansens study on high-end holiday habits throughout the world.
Luxury tourism in Portugal in 2021
Luxury tourism in Portugal in 2021 / Photo by Cristiano Pinto on Unsplash

Portugal remains on the tourism radar of the world, despite all the restrictions on movement and travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Portugal even appears to be one of the world's favourite travel destinations for high-end travellers after the coronavirus pandemic, according to a study on luxury holiday habits by Condé Nast Johansens, the leading reference guide for luxury destinations around the world. Portugal is placed as the eighth favourite luxury tourism destination in the world in 2021, with destinations such as the Algarve, Porto and Lisbon among the most popular, just behind the USA (in 6th place) and the Caribbean (in 7th position).

The UK tops the ranking as the most popular destination for luxury travellers, followed by Italy and Spain. France appears in 4th place of the table, followed by Greece in 5th position. The Condé Nast Johansens survey, quoted by the national and international press, was conducted between at the start of 2021, among over 95,000 subscribers to its newsletter, and reveals that when it comes to planning future holidays, the vast majority chose September as the ideal month to travel, with June and May being the second and third options. Long stays or weekend getaways were preferred by luxury travellers who chose, in order of preference, holiday periods of 14, 10 and 7 nights.

When deciding on one destination or another, luxury travellers are also very clear about their 3 priorities before making a booking. As a result of the pandemic, travellers want the holiday destination to be fully refundable in case of last minute cancellation. Flexibility in booking and changing stays are other main factors highlighted, followed, as was the case before the pandemic, by exceptional service, gastronomy and wine.

Safety is fundamental

Before booking and during a stay at their chosen hotel, 71% of luxury travellers demand a formal statement from the hotel on its website confirming that it complies with local regulations regarding hygiene and social distancing; 71% also stress that there should be alcohol-gel dispensers in all public areas of the hotel. For 68% of those who took part in the survey, it is vital that switches, room access cards, television remote control and cupboard and door handles are cleaned and disinfected daily.