January 31, 2020.
After successive delays and changes of route and even of command, Brexit will move forward: the door is open for the completion of the UK's exit from the European Union.
Nobody knows how it will evolve and when this process will end.
We are facing two blocks of economic and political interests, involving some of the greatest economic powers in Europe and the world, in a framework of changing positions at the international level in which the traditional family alliances of the Western world are in crisis, without leadership and in clash of interests between “brothers”.
All in a political framework in which the weakness of a European Union without strategy, divided and without command is clear, and the powerful American ally, guided only by its cyclical interest. Will continue.
With experience as a traveler – with long walks through various geographies and no guaranteed return – and aware of the limited weight of our country – I believe that there is only one way left: in addition to following the events with the utmost attention and intelligence – we must be fully aware of the risks we run, and define with rigor what we have to do to defend our interests and the future in this uncertain battle.
As a Traveler returning to the road, I would start precisely by drawing attention to some useful information about the state of the paths we are going to take, on a Journey that does not know how long it will last or how it will end.
I will start by referring to some concrete data on economic relations between Portugal and the United Kingdom. And between UK and Algarve. What is at stake.
Especially because after months of generalities, it's not clear, for many passengers, what is the starting point and the risks we take.
Starting points:
United Kingdom is one of Portugal's main economic partners
Tourism is Portugal's main export sector to the UK
Algarve is the 1st destination for British Tourists in Portugal
Portugal and Algarve cannot devalue and underestimate this reality.
Below is an infographic with data. Simplified. A kind of tour guide:
The Journey is about to begin, these are the starting points. We can't ignore it! Travel companions wanted!
Warning: we don't know when we'll be back!
Author Vitor Neto, Traveler
Infographics: Nuno Costa | Sul Informação
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