Pipadouro closes 2024 with record number of passengers and wins world wine tourism award

Pipadouro, the luxury river tourism operator in the Douro, closed 2024 with a historic 42 per cent growth in the number of passengers, welcoming more than two thousand tourists aboard its vintage yachts, Friendship I and Pipadouro II. This performance reflects the recovery of the sector and the success of the unique experiences it offers, which earned it the world award for Best Innovative Wine Tourism Experience at the People’s Choice Awards of the Great Wine Capitals Global Network.

With tourists coming from 26 countries, the North American market stood out, accounting for more than 40 per cent of occupancy, followed by Portuguese (20 per cent) and Brazilian (12.9 per cent) clients. The company ran 415 programmes throughout the year – an increase of 39% compared to 2023 – including tailor-made experiences and programmes such as ‘A Day in the Douro’, which combines sailing and regional enogastronomy.

‘2024 was an extraordinary year, and this growth reflects the recognition of our work and commitment to offering high-quality experiences. We are motivated to innovate even more in 2025,’ said Ana Clara Silva, Pipadouro’s operations director.

Specialising in personalised experiences, Pipadouro continues to position the Douro as an international benchmark in luxury tourism, promoting the region’s natural, cultural and oenological wealth.