UK quarantine setback aside, the Algarve has been steadfastly committed to providing visitors with a safe return to the popular Portuguese holiday destination. To that end, tourism authorities’ latest initiative is a promotional campaign highlighting that pledge and a series of “strict measures put in place to ensure all visitors and locals can visit the region safely”.
Available on Instagram at @AlgarveTourism and YouTube, the new video was produced to showcase what the region offers visitors, “from sandy beaches and beautiful weather to outdoor activities, culture and amazing cuisine”. The southern Portugal hotspot’s extensive range of outdoor and open-air activities includes surfing, cycling and hiking – all of which are easily adaptable to social-distancing measures and provide visitors with the welcome opportunity of reconnecting with nature.
“The region is prepared to receive tourists and visitors, on its beaches and inland,” said João Fernandes, president of the Algarve Tourism Board, during the video launch. “It will be the duty of all of us, from tour operators to citizens, to comply with the rules of access, individual protection measures and safety distances. We are looking forward to hosting visitors again and confident to welcome them safely.”
Earlier this summer, a “Clean & Safe” stamp was developed and introduced by the national tourism authority to certify compliance with strict health protocols in tourism, and it has now been issued to more than 20,000 trained professionals.
Safety measures in place include the development of a “Manual of Good Practices” for the region’s main tourist activities, highlighting strict procedures adopted for rent-a-car, golf, camping sites, marinas, beaches, surfing, water parks and restaurants, in addition to tourist accommodation, travel agencies and tourist entertainment companies.
According to the Algarve Tourism Board, restaurants have also re-opened with a 50 per cent capacity reduction, “allowing visitors to enjoy the rich seafood-based gastronomy of the region”; while re-opened shops, museums and workshops enable visitors to “discover the extraordinary culture and heritage of this part of Portugal.
“The newly re-opened beaches follow strict guidance as defined by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA). The quality and safety of the Algarve beaches is also attested to by the 87 Blue Flags awarded this year by the European Blue Flag Association.”
Quarantine-Free Arrivals at Faro Airport
Another excellent reason for holidaying in the Algarve this summer is that travellers arriving at Faro Airport are not required to go into quarantine. Portugal’s foreign minister Augusto Santos Silva has stressed that “for tourists who come by air, Portugal will not impose a quarantine” – instead focusing on “minimal health controls” to keep travellers and locals safe.
Airlines including EasyJet, Wizzair, Ryanair, British Airways and Jet2.com are flying to Faro from UK airports. For up-to-date information click here.
