A 1st phase of “Algarve + Sustentável”, the largest sustainable nature tourism event in the Algarve region, it ended last November with a debate on the “Tourism + Sustainable 20-23” plan, by Turismo de Portugal, which brought together specialists, operators and institutions, for a common purpose. This event will be back from March to April of next year for its 2nd phase.
Aura Fraga, from Associação Vicentina, João Fernandes, from the Algarve Tourism Region, José Gonçalves, from the Mayor of Aljezur, and Joaquim Brandão Pires, from AMAL – Comunidade Intermunicipal do Algarve, were responsible for opening the work for this debate.
In the words of Aura Fraga, this closing of the 1st phase of the project included “a set of contributions from experts on various topics around the structuring of an increasingly sustainable offer and on the necessary training of its agents, fundamental for a regional commitment with the sustainability of the sector in the economic, social and environmental aspects”.
João Fernandes, on the other hand, highlighted the objectives achieved in this 1st phase, such as «increasing knowledge, promoting the training of agents, disclosing the activities to residents and then reflecting on what we have done».
The last day of the event featured presentations and debates along two lines, namely “Structuring an increasingly sustainable offer” and “Qualifying agents in the sector”, both with moderation by Manuela Rosa, from the University of Algarve, and contributions from experts from several areas.
The specialists included: Maria José Nunes (Commission for Coordination and Regional Development of the Algarve), Daniela Serrão (AMAL – Algarve Intermunicipal Community), Nélia Guerreiro (Accessible Portugal), Aura Fraga (Vicentina Association), Magda Martins (Hospitality School and Turismo do Algarve), Antónia Correia and Alexandra Gonçalves (University of the Algarve) and Marta Cabral (Vicentina Route).
Aura Fraga congratulated the partnership between the Vicentina Association and the Algarve Tourism Region in promoting an event of this importance, stating that «in terms of sustainability, it was possible to gather the perspective of sectorial management of tourism, which is fundamental due to the in-depth knowledge of the sector. sector and its needs, with the perspective of territorial and integrated development, fostering intersectoral synergies and cooperation».
For his part, João Fernandes promised a new set of actions in 2022, «always in line with the 2027 Tourism Strategy, with the Sustainable Tourism Plan for Portugal and also focused on the Reactivate Tourism action plan. Basically, there is a European strategy, a national strategy and a regional focus on sustainability. The word that comes out of this first stage is “mobilization”. We have the best region and the best agents. And we are all mobilized for action, through the planning and sustainable development of tourist activities in the Algarve».
“Algarve + Sustainable” is back from March to April 2022 for its second phase. The third is planned for November next year.
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