Desidério Silva believes that TAP “has to look at the Algarve with respect”. The airline announced this Tuesday, 19 December, four new routes from Porto, but the president of the Algarve Tourism Region demands that «TAP and the managers» think, «at least once, in the Algarve and in what he represents».
In a note sent to the newsrooms, Desidério Silva also says that the Government “has to look” at the region. «We were, once again, surprised by the willingness of TAP (our flagship company) to take a Christmas gift to Porto airport. We were all very happy about that», it reads.
The Portuguese company will fly twice a day to Barcelona and Milan from Porto. To London City airport, the route will have one flight per day. Also from Francisco Sá Carneiro airport there will be a daily flight to Ponta Delgada.
«The North and Center are grateful and the country is more balanced in terms of flights and routes that will bring more tourists to the country and improve the economy», says Desidério Silva.
«But it could be even better if, once and for all, TAP and the managers thought at least once about the Algarve and what it represents: close to 40% of national tourism revenues and an airport that this year will reach close to 9 million passengers and that it is connected to more than 80 cities (it is strange that its flag company represents only about 3% of the total transported)», considers that responsible.
«We have to recognize that it is very, very little, for the strategic importance of the Algarve». it says.
«We do not require an airlift, as to Porto, but we do demand a reduction in waiting times in Lisbon for a flight to Faro: four to six hours is not acceptable in modern times, especially in a country that has just won the title of best tourist destination in the world», he adds.
Desidério Silva concludes by saying that it is necessary for TAP to «look at the Algarve with respect and operationalize the necessary means in order to provide objective answers, with a view to honoring this region and its economy. All governments have looked the other way on this issue. It is now time for the political power to respect the Algarve and the Algarve and put our flag company to serve the Algarve and the country».
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