Driverless car rental began to take shape in Portugal during the 1950s, at a time when the country was becoming increasingly attractive for international tourism. This type of service was influenced by practices already in place in some of the largest global tourist destinations, being introduced gradually but decisively to respond to the growing needs of visitors.
At that time, car rentals were mostly done without any visible identification, and usually with the option of a driver who spoke several languages. In many cases, visits were accompanied by interpreter-guides, hired by travel agencies or organized directly by tourists.
Cruise passengers who stopped in Lisbon on transatlantic routes were one of the main sources of customers for this type of service. Furthermore, luxury hotels in the capital and Estoril played a fundamental role in promoting car rental, facilitating contact between tourists and providers of this service.
However, it was with the development of air transport that the concept of rent-a-car truly became consolidated in Portugal. The need to optimize time and convenience has led tourists, mainly Americans and Europeans, to choose to rent driverless vehicles, allowing them greater freedom and flexibility in their travels. During the 1950s and 1960s, this model became a frequent choice among individual travelers and small family groups, who were looking for a transportation solution from airports to their destinations, as well as using the car to explore the region’s tourist attractions.
Over time, the rent-a-car industry in Portugal expanded and diversified, following the growth of tourism in the country. Currently, this sector is an essential part of the national tourist offer, providing not only a practical mobility alternative, but also a comfortable and accessible way for tourists to discover the different regions of Portugal at their own pace, whether on leisure or business trips. leisure.
Innovation and Effective Management with Way2Rentals
Nowadays, with increasing market demands and the need to adapt to new technological and operational challenges, the Way2Rentals SaaS software has closely monitored the evolution of the rent-a-car sector in Portugal. With around 15 years of experience, this solution was developed to support companies in effectively managing their resources, optimizing processes and improving the quality of their services. Way2Rentals allows integrated management of operations, from fleet management to reservation management and customer communication, being the right solution to face the challenges of the future in this competitive market.