Algarve Tourism said it is "open for tourists this summer" once travel restrictions are lifted
The Portuguese Travel Industry is gearing up for the summer season regardless of the coronavirus crisis- “We are ready and open for tourists”!
President of Algarve Tourism João Fernandes said: “The country was quick to adopt preventive measures and extensive testing at an early stage to mitigate the spread of the pandemic, and as a result we have had much fewer cases than other European countries. Furthermore, the Algarve is one of the least affected regions in Portugal, and so we are now in a position to carefully plan a gradual reopening of its economic and social activity”.
The Algarve is considered Europe’s Leading Beach Destination by voters at the World Travel Awards and according to preliminary data released by the National Statistics Institute (INE), the region reached historical figures of 20.95 million overnight stays and 5.07 million overall guests.
Expectations to maintain, and if possible to increase, the number of visitors to the region is very important and the Tourism Region as well as all tourism agents are interested in achieving a climate of health security in order to maintain the confidence of all those who visit the Algarve every year.
The number of Covid-19 cases since January in the Algarve has been just 340, much less than most other southern European countries. Hygiene and safety measures have been followed by the population, which explains these figures.
João Fernandes added: “As a result of a large effort by the national authorities, public and private sector agents in the region to define the best practices in terms of safety and security, the Algarve is ready to restart its tourist activity."
“Sector agents in the region are strongly committed to reopening their businesses in a gradual, responsible and safe manner.”
Rules are being defined for the access of beaches, which will be issued by the Portuguese Environment Agency shortly.
They will allow the use of these space, while guaranteeing safety for visitors and workers.
Visitors will find measures in place at Faro International Airport on arrival which aim to ensure the protection of passengers and staff.
Public transport is subject to measures that isolate drivers from contact with passengers and the use of masks is mandatory for everyone.
The question of the reopening of borders and the resumption of air traffic is the main factor that remains undefined and that prevents the return of tourist activity in full.
“This is an issue that obviously affects many countries, not just Algarve."
“All major European tourist destinations are keenly awaiting the EU guidelines on this matter."
“However, the Algarve has received some positive signs."
“Several international airlines and tour operators are showing great interest in restarting their operations to the region, some of which already have information on their websites and are taking holiday reservations,” concluded Fernandes.
We know that many regular visitors are asking "When can I visit Portugal again?" This is a question we all can answer "Very soon, we hope".
The Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) released a guide with recommendations aimed at tour operators, to strengthen the security and confidence of the Algarve destination in the face of the covid-19 pandemic.
The “manual of good practices - Algarve Clean & Safe”, includes a set of recommendations “with specific tips by industry” - accommodation, restaurants and the like, marinas and recreational ports, beach concessions, golf, water parks, companies of tourist entertainment, campsites and motorhomes, rent-a-car, travel agencies and events.
Among the recommendations are cleaning and hygiene procedures, training of employees and information to be made available to tourists and visitors, in accordance with the guidelines of the Directorate-General for Health (DGS) and international guidelines.
We are all very confident that this pandemic situation will end making it possible to return to a normal life as we have beed used to and all of us are making the best so that can happen.
At Youdrive we are taking all hygiene and safety measures, both for our customers and for our employees who deliver and receive cars to customers. Our rental cars are cleaned and sanitized with great care and in addition to what was previously used, according to the best hygiene and disinfection practices recommended by the National Public Health Authority.
So we can assure our customers that they can book their Algarve car hire with You Drive with complete safety and confidence.
