The practice of offering free stopovers during long-haul layovers is becoming increasingly popular among airlines, with TAP Air Portugal being one of the carriers leading this trend. Last year, over 200,000 travelers took advantage of Portugal’s free stopover program, which allows passengers to break up their journey in Lisbon or Porto for up to 10 days. This not only benefits passengers by enabling them to explore two countries for the price of one, but also boosts tourism in the stopover location. TAP Air Portugal has partnered with nearly 150 businesses to offer special promotions to stopover guests, encouraging local spending and supporting the tourism industry.
The stopover concept is not unique to Portugal, as airlines and tourism boards around the world are also implementing similar programs. Countries like Iceland, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi have all launched initiatives to encourage travelers to spend time in their destinations between flights. Iceland, for example, has been a pioneer in offering free stopovers, with airlines like Icelandair and Play providing options for passengers to break up long-haul trips. The success of these programs is evident in the growing number of stopover travelers and the positive impact on local economies.
In addition to TAP Air Portugal, other airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Iberia, and Copa Airlines have introduced stopover schemes to attract transit passengers. By offering passengers the opportunity to experience a different destination during their layover, airlines are not only enhancing the overall travel experience but also driving tourism in the stopover locations. The popularity of stopovers is reflected in the increasing number of travelers taking advantage of these programs, with TAP Air Portugal reporting that almost half of stopover travelers purchased their tickets in Brazil, and 20% came from the United States.
The post-pandemic travel surge in Portugal has further highlighted the benefits of the stopover program, with both Lisbon and Porto airports breaking all-time passenger records in 2023. Tourism plays a significant role in Portugal’s economy, accounting for nearly 15% of the country’s gross domestic product. The success of the stopover program reinforces the importance of innovative initiatives in attracting travelers and driving economic growth. As the concept continues to gain momentum globally, more airlines and destinations are likely to adopt similar strategies to enhance the travel experience for passengers and support the tourism industry.
Overall, the increasing popularity of stopovers during long-haul layovers reflects a growing trend in the airline industry to offer unique experiences to passengers and promote tourism in different destinations. By providing travelers with the option to explore another country during their journey, airlines are not only enhancing customer satisfaction but also generating economic benefits for the stopover locations. As more airlines and tourism boards implement similar programs, the concept of stopovers is expected to continue to evolve, offering passengers more opportunities to discover new destinations and supporting local economies in the process.
