In a written response, Vítor Costa said that the perspectives of Turismo de Lisboa are "optimistic and positive", taking into account the evolution verified in the first months of this year.

"We hope to grow in quantitative terms, that is, the number of tourists and overnight stays in Lisbon, and also in qualitative terms, through the wealth generated by tourism", he highlighted.

Vítor Costa indicated that the first three months of this year "saw an increase of well over 10% to be expected compared to 2019, the last year before the pandemic".

In February, the president of the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (APAVT) admitted that bookings for Easter, in the country, were above expectations, with "surely double-digit" growth.

"Booking rates are going well [first quarter and Easter], at an absolutely unexpected pace, especially in destinations that are already consolidated", said Pedro Costa Ferreira, in statements to Lusa.

Pedro Costa Ferreira explained that the registration of "advance bookings" and the fact that the first quarter of 2022 was still mostly confined, given the covid-19 pandemic, justify this sales growth that is seen in the first months of 2023.

Pedro Costa Ferreira said that the high prices registered for several months remain.