ALGARVE A GO-GO
Portugal’s off the quarantine list at last – and there are great bargains to keep summer alive
WE ARE very happy! Finally, there will be many British tourists coming to my country now that the quarantine requirement has been lifted.
It has been a challenging time — a time of frequent, open dialogue with our British colleagues, where we repeatedly gave our point of view that it was safe to travel to Portugal. This was not fully accepted. But now that has changed, which is great news.
Of course, the absence of British tourists has been noticeable and has made life difficult for our tourism sector. In the Algarve, from where I have just returned after spending my holidays there, it was not the same as usual. The British were much missed.
I go every year to the Algarve and, this time, I stayed for ten days in Baia, a resort near Albufeira. There were fewer people on the beaches than usual. But I was pleased to see that, despite the difficulties, businesses continued.
The atmosphere was quiet and confident, waiting for change to come.
I did not see any signs of fear or worry. People were respecting fully the health rules. They were happy, perfectly at ease.
I want readers of the Daily Mail to know that autumn is a good time to go to Portugal, especially the Algarve. September is the high season for golfers and we have plenty of courses for players of all standards.
From the end of October, those who like lower temperatures, less sunlight, attractive landscapes, playing sports and so on will realise that Portugal is a fantastic destination.
British tourists should come to Portugal in full confidence that we will welcome you and offer the very best in friendship and hospitality. So please don’t hesitate.