Alentejo - Tourism

The Alentejo is a destination increasingly sought by tourists. According to data from Alentejo Tourism, the region grew by 5.9% in the number of overnight stays in 2011.

According to data from the National Statistics Institute, in 2010, the number of overnight stays was 1.173 million. And in 2011 the number increased to 1.241 million overnight stays. 

Also according to the National Statistics Institute, the Alentejo was the "only national region" with a "positive" performance.

Already in 2012, according to data from Regional Agency for Tourism Promotion of the Alentejo, and comparing with 2010, there was a 25% increase in overnight stays of foreign tourists.

 

                      Source: http://europa.eu/abc/maps/regions/portugal/alentejo_en.htm

Alentejo - Economy

The Alentejo is known as the 'granary of Portugal'. Most cities live predominantly based on:

- Agriculture;

- Livestock;

- Wood.  

Although the tourism sector has been gaining increasing expression as well as all services associated therewitht.

Other important activities in the region are:  
- Production of regional products (typical cheeses, wines, smoked hams, sausages, etc.);
- Marble;
- Cork;
- Olive oil.

The Alentejo is characterized by its vast plains, with productive soils and a very specific eco-system, which are suitable for the cultivation of: citrus, grapes, olive, apples, wheat, cereals, watermelon, melon, herbs (parsley, coriander, mint, oregano, etc.), onions, lettuce, corn, potato, sunflower, tomato, beans, broad beans, peas, carrots, cabbage, etc.

                                  Source: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/1e4121/

                                     Source: http://www.dreamstime.com