Dream Homes Portugal - Property For Sale In Portugal

Portugal has experienced a modest growth in visitor numbers this year, despite the economic downturn hitting tourism markets around the world.

Reuters reveals that many Portuguese tour operators have reported "business as usual" in the last few months, with the country's tourism sector seemingly resistant to the problems of larger nations.

The news agency states that Portugal's reputation as a "small but diverse Iberian country with sunny beaches, historic sites and some of Europe's finest golf courses" continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Andrew Coutts, head of ILM international tourism consultants in Portugal, explained: "Portugal is an awful lot less vulnerable [to the economic downturn] ... And there is an enormous opportunity for Portugal to position itself for the time when international tourism gets back on track."

Official figures show that Portugal received approximately 7 million foreign visitors last year.

Shelter Offshore recently described the country, along with Spain, as an "evergreen destination" for British holidaymakers and property buyers.