Have you ever noticed how often our friends mention skipping certain cities or vacation spots just because they worry about the crowds?
Despite the benefits of increased tourism, residents are directly experiencing its downsides, too. A Hotelbeds study revealed that 44% of travelers expressed interest in exploring less-touristy destinations.
Even Madeira Island is beginning to experience the effects of a substantial increase in inbound tourism.
American Express Global Travel Trends Report found that 77% of travelers prioritize having the right travel experience over the cost of the trip.
Choosing less-traveled destinations increases the likelihood of finding local activities, authentic experiences, and sustainable options.
Algarve Tourism Statistics – 2024
Until October 2024, overnight stays in the Algarve reached 71.1 million and increased by 3.7%; guests rose 4.7% to 27.6 million.
Total revenue, which achieved 5.969,1 million Euros until October 2024, grew by 10.6%, and revenue from accommodation, which reached 4.619,4 million Euros, grew positively: +10.7%.
Vilamoura’s new state-of-the-art sports center
This reminded me that a cutting-edge sports center is set to be constructed in Vilamoura (Algarve). This is also interesting because Quinta do Lago has an impressive performance and innovation hub called The Campus.
The new sports center will be only 14 kilometers from the Quinta do Lago Campus facility.
DETAILS, the management firm overseeing Arrow Global’s hospitality and sports assets in Vilamoura, has partnered with the US agency Next Practice Partners (NPP) for this ambitious project.
NPP, a renowned leader in innovative and inclusive planning practices, has professional experience at world-class venues such as the Disney / ESPN Wide World of Sports (220 acres with 70+ sports).
NPP will spearhead the development of the concept, strategy, and business plan for one of Europe’s largest sports center footprints, a 25-hectare site set to open in 2026.
Additionally, NPP will offer further services such as project consultancy and benchmarking.
The new Sports Centre will be a cutting-edge, international facility, focusing on current and future trends.
ESG-compliant, it will focus on sustainability and uphold support for the local community, guaranteeing inclusivity and social responsibility.
The Sports Centre’s development will enhance the revamped Equestrian Centre at Vilamoura, set to resume international competition during GRANDPRIX’s Winter Series in October 2025.
Nuno Sepulveda, Co-CEO at DETAILS, said:
“With this new sports centre, we will have a suite of facilities that few luxury resorts across Europe can compete with.
Our main aim is to transform Vilamoura as an elite sports and leisure destination, attracting visitors from all over the world each year.
Holiday makers, property owners, families, sports enthusiasts, high performance sports athletes – this place will be an international demand driver and a game changer to the area.”
I truly admire DETAIL’s ambitions to create something extraordinary and believe it has great potential.
However, I have concerns about the project’s aspects (e.g., contribution to over-tourism) that may need further consideration.
I hope to be proven wrong and look forward to seeing how it develops.