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Elidérico Viegas argues it is urgent to approve a specific support plan for the Algarve; a plan announced two days ago in Parliament by the Minister of Economy. Viegas also said he considers the UK’s decision to leave Portugal off the list of safe tourist corridors “unfair”.
Current arrival of tourists to the Algarve is worse than in the low season
The head of the Algarve’s largest hotel association AHETA has said that the arrival of tourists to the Algarve, this summer, is currently worse than in low season
in News · 10 Jul 2020, 14:50 · 18 Comments
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Require a COVID test from Americans and open the borders. We wound be thrilled to come to the Algarve.
By Mark from USA on 10 Jul 2020, 15:05
The whole tourism market of Europe (an dthe world) will change over the corona hysteria and panic. Plus there will be changes due to Brexit. It is time for Portugal and the Algarve to adjust. Frewer tourists will come, but they might want more than beaches and cold water. You can forget about people wanting to go to museums and wear masks.
By John Dough from Lisbon on 10 Jul 2020, 20:04
It is safer here than the uk and theres plenty of safety measures in place..Theres no reason not to holiday here ..there are other countries you can go to which are not as safe as the Algarve
By Mrs Steadman from Algarve on 10 Jul 2020, 23:27
Attract US citizens with COVID-19 negative tests, you will have a lifetime of tourism and Americans have money...!!!
By Alexandra Conti-Henriques from USA on 11 Jul 2020, 01:18
Good morning I think what the British government is doing is ridiculous and I hope they rethink it. My husband and I are coming to stay in Alvor in September as we love the place and the people are great.
Keep fighting
By Elizabeth Keen from UK on 11 Jul 2020, 06:01
We would normally spend March through to July in the Tavira region. Feel sick that we cannot return especially with Portugal not having large covid numbers.Come on Boris allow us Brits that air bridge with the Algarve.
By Carole Upcraft from UK on 11 Jul 2020, 09:20
Named and shamed...the favourites of UK air bridges having a good laugh ..whole this eventually being given as special gift to Spain to keep the tourist as favour.. meanwhile Spain announced they might close the borders between Portugal ,means Portugal will drop drastically the economy without a chance this summer ,,,no air bridge or travel by car in Spain border...what we thinking about at the moment? Portugal might have made fake European friends?? Or is there a agreement to make Portugal suffering?? Possible the favourites including UK have a massive constitution profit taken tourist from others country's with low infection to others have hight rated infections?? Whole this Portuguese people coming completely clear some country's being doing in your back... watch out..this information might not be published ,others like me we do understand Portugal it's suffering a deeply descrimination...the ministry nerds open they eyes and stop this..
By joe santos from UK on 11 Jul 2020, 17:15
I feel so sorry for the local community, but we really do not need loads of pissed up youngsters coming over here to infect us and create stress for the Police here ,
By Trevor Roberts from Algarve on 11 Jul 2020, 22:26
I agree. Hopefully this will change.
By Anita FOSTER from UK on 12 Jul 2020, 06:16
Greatings I am a Portuguese citizen, it's very unfair this black list from the UK towards Portugal, as a matter of fact Portugal has around 45.000 infect while the UK has 287.000 infected.
UK has maybe the double of the Portuguese area about the total population I don't know but even if we doubled the Portuguese infection numbers to be the same as in the UK we would have 90.000 wich means we're still behind for almost 200.000.
My way of seeing this is that it is Portugal who should put the UK in the black list an not the other way around. Thank you.
By Vitor Manuel from Other on 12 Jul 2020, 07:34
It seems the the problems lies in albufeira.
The crazy Dutch youth have left their homeland to party in albufeira square where the local police have little or no control.
Get a grip of these maniacs and deport them.
Then you will get the green light and the english will flood there. Including my family.
Portugal is considered to be an extremely freiendly nation. But something lacking as regards the law. Once again get a grip and get the english back. See you soon. Love portugal!
By Fred Walker from UK on 12 Jul 2020, 11:14
I was just wondering if the British governments decision to leave Portugal off the list is more political than science based, I fine it absolutely astounding & many more people who love holidaying in Portugal are disappointed with their decision, they have included many countries on the list that we cannot gain entry too? its beyond belief, hopefully they get to change their mind so people can travel to Portugal for their summer holiday and when returning back to the UK will not have to quarantine!
By colin francis from UK on 12 Jul 2020, 11:50
Perhaps the Algarve accommodation sector should not have chased out the locals by raising their property lease prices on the expectation that the tourists would flood into the area. If they kept their prices down, and locals stayed...? Looking after the locals is better than no business at all. I feel they only have themselves to blame.
By Bill Earnshaw from Other on 12 Jul 2020, 12:34
Please let us be able to get to the Algarve in September. March-cancelled. May-cancelled. Please let us get there in September!!
By Elaine Brown from UK on 12 Jul 2020, 13:15
I've believe Albufeira in Portugal is without any doubt is extremely safe place to to go on holiday myself and my wife have all ready made 3 booking two for this year and one in April 2021, also the health care is extremely good, can't wait until 6 October 2020
By Lloyd Thornton from UK on 12 Jul 2020, 14:04
My mum lives in Tavira and i have had 4 flights cancelled this year- no air bridge is ridiculous!! I am going to end up getting a flight over -I have been tested and I am negative - and then self isolating when I return to the U.K., my mum is 77 and I haven’t seen her since Christmas
By Donna from UK on 14 Jul 2020, 18:58
Perhaps the hotel association is only looking at hotel occupancy rates. Many people these days opt for other types of accommodation: guesthouses, hostels, alojamentos, private rentals, airbnbs, and accommodation offered by family/friends. There is definitely a sizable number of tourists now, both Portuguese and foreign, and they must be staying somewhere! I hope everyone will take care and protect themselves and others.
By Annie from Algarve on 15 Jul 2020, 09:40
To say that wearing masks will affect tourism is stupid thinking. People are wearing masks all over the world, and getting quite use to it! Those who don't want to wear them, can stay home. But you may be surprised....wearing a mask may improve your looks!
By William from Other on 15 Jul 2020, 15:12