Desidério Silva has been president of the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) for five years and says he is «very proud of the work done, with total delivery».
In a balance sent to the newsrooms, Desidério Silva considers that «since November 2012 many good things have happened in the region that continues to assert itself, year after year, as the most important tourist region in the country».
«Both on the supply and demand side, the Algarve is today a reference for the multiplicity of economic agents who channeled their investments here as well as for the millions of tourists who visit us annually», says the president of RTA.
«Over these five years, we have promised and offered much more than the traditional sun and beach that have placed the Algarve among the main tourist routes globally. We bet a lot on nature tourism, bicycles, hiking and birdwatching», he adds.
During this time «we promote the Algarve's gastronomy and wines, health tourism and the organization of cultural and sporting events, with reach and projection beyond borders. We have intensified the dissemination of the destination both nationally and internationally and the region has accumulated several internal and external awards».
Desidério Silva highlights, for example, the awards for Best Beach Destination in Europe, Best Golf Destination in Europe and the World, Best Tourism Region in the Country, and Brand of National Trust, for the last two consecutive years.
«The core objective of this strategy has been to expand and diversify the offer, aiming to provide everyone who visits us with unique and memorable experiences. Basically, fighting every day for a more sustainable Algarve all year round, to which is added the well-known capacity for welcoming that characterizes us».
“In 2012, we had 14 million overnight stays and more than 5 million passenger movements at the airport”. This year, predicts Desidério Silva, "we will certainly exceed 19 million nights and 8,5 million movements."
«In this gradual and consolidated process of growth, I refer all public and private partners, as well as all the management and staff of RTA and the Algarve Tourism Association (ATA), committed to making the Algarve an even more pleasant and sought-after tourist region. Without everyone's effort, it would have been impossible to get here and maintain the energy to continue working and putting into practice the projects that lie ahead».
The president of the RTA says he has “a clear notion that there is still a lot to do in this region and for this region. The challenges are enormous, as are the responsibilities. But, together, I am sure that we will continue to make the Algarve the best tourist region in the country», he concludes.
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