The organisation argues that a structural response is needed, investing in software and strengthening air borders, as published by Publituris.

The issue was discussed at the Strategic Council for Tourism Promotion meeting in Faro. The president of the region, André Gomes, quoted by Publituris, said that “I would like to see a different response from the government than the one it has implemented at the moment, which is merely a suspension of the system. This will not solve any problems.”

Throughout 2025, there were several peaks in border control constraints, especially during periods of increased tourist pressure, particularly in the summer, with several protests by passengers, airlines and other sector entities.

In May, the Albufeira Promotion Agency (APAL) issued a public warning about the consequences of long queues and waiting times that, in some cases, exceeded several hours, according to Publituris. The situation led the PSP to bring forward the reinforcement of staff in transport control.

The head of Algarve tourism says that constraints on tourists are reflected in the image conveyed to the destination, noting that the consequences extend beyond airport operations and how these moments are viewed by foreign markets and tour operators.

Quoted by Publituris, André Gomes makes an appeal: “It is very important for us, for the entire national tourism sector, to resolve this problem, and that is what we expect from the Government, ANA and the entities that have jurisdiction in this matter.”

In a meeting with journalists after the meeting, André Gomes revealed that this is the first time that the Algarve has “hosted a meeting of this Strategic Council,” considering it “a recognition of the region’s importance in national tourism.”

Tourism growth

According to the head of Algarve tourism, 2025 should be another year of growth for the Algarve, although the final figures for December are yet to be released. By November, the region had seen a 2% increase in guest numbers and a 0.5% to 1% increase in overnight stays.

With no targets set for 2026, André Gomes said, according to Publituris, that the year will see “sustained and sustainable” growth.