In our jurisdiction here in Portugal, the idea that local events are a decisive factor in travel planning is often overly generalized.
For many, especially retirees managing a tight budget, cost and ease of access outweigh the desire to experience a particular event.
The luxury of choosing a destination based on events is often reserved for those who do not have to count every euro, as evidenced by the fact that if the Sardine Festival in Portimão causes prices to soar, many will prefer to visit another month or choose another coastal town.