“It's clear that the operation is going very well [...]. United [Airlines] itself has already announced that it will continue offering this route in 2026,” said André Gomes, emphasising that Americans are not the traditional tourist, seeking only sun and sand, bringing added value to the region.

“They also have a considerable capacity to spend in the region and seek, above all, authentic, more immersive experiences” that connect them with traditions and culture, the official stated.

André Gomes explained that North Americans don't just come for the Algarve region, but are "long-haul tourists" who end up seeing the entire country. Many are also looking for a second home or even considering moving to the Algarve.

"What this flight has effectively allowed us to do is allow them to start their journey in the Algarve, while previously they would either come through Lisbon or Porto, and then travel to the Algarve," he added.

Top market

According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) on overnight stays by tourists in Portugal in August 2025, among the top 10 source markets in August, growth in the North American market (up 9.8%) and Canada (up 8.5%) stood out.

André Gomes also highlighted the fact that last August, compared to the same period last year, the Algarve was the region that contributed the most to the country's overall revenue—36.3% of total revenue, according to the INE.

On the other hand, he emphasized, the 3.4% increase in the number of domestic tourists in August compared to the same period last year contradicts the "narratives of the Portuguese distancing themselves from the Algarve" and that the Algarve "is very expensive" for the Portuguese.

"This clearly demonstrates the consolidation of the Algarve as the preferred vacation destination for so many thousands of Portuguese and international tourists, which, once again, has been seen this year," he concluded.

Seasonal flights to Faro will resume on May 15, 2026, with the US carrier, which launched the direct connection between Newark and Gago Coutinho Airport in Faro on May 17.