An exclusive Tomorrow interview with André Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Board.
It has been a year since André Gomes was voted president of the Algarve Tourism Board. We met with him at his office in Faro to look back on the year and find out more about the many challenges and opportunities he faces in leading the Algarve’s tourism activity.
Approximately 20% of Portugal’s gross domestic product is attributable to tourism. That’s an astronomical €53 billion per year. With the Algarve being the bedrock of the country’s tourism offer, I think it’s fair to say that the role of the president of the Algarve Tourism Board (ATB) is one of the most important positions in Portugal and certainly in the Algarve.
A week before our meeting, the ATB held its annual general assembly, during which they reviewed data from the first six months of 2024. André talked me through the key measures, all of which sounded positive – an increase in the number of visitors, an increase in overnight stays, and improved income generation. The number of people visiting here in what might have once been considered ‘out of season’ continues to grow exponentially, helping to secure the Algarve a reputation as an all-year-round visitor destination. This is something which André and his colleagues are keen to keep pushing forward with, not least because of the job security it offers the resident population.
Sustainability continues to be a priority for André and his colleagues, with high-profile campaigns (‘Less Showers, more Dives’) led by the ATB encouraging residents and visitors to save water and protect the environment. Significantly, André does not regard an increase in visitor numbers as something that will have a detrimental impact on the local environment, rather he recognises protecting the wonderful natural resources of the Algarve as being a key driver in attracting visitors, driving growth and protecting the environment for future generations.
The much-anticipated direct flights from the US should finally commence next year. Originally promised for this year, the delay was caused by increased regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration of the US. It will be fascinating to see what impact this will have, with André already seeing increased investment in the region by businesses from the US.
With new routes opening all the time and airlines that once scheduled only summer flights to the region now providing an all-year schedule, it raises the question of how well Faro Airport is equipped to deal with current and future demands.
“We don’t say we don’t have a problem at the airport,” said André. “The change in responsibility for border enforcement has impacted. Also, when there is a backup of flights landing, this has caused problems. Generally, however, the airport’s service is very punctual and compares well to other airports. There is more to do, however. An increase in border control resources will help, and changes to the concourse and queuing arrangements are already taking place and will make things better.”
André also expressed frustration with misinformation on social media and cited examples of people posting photographs taken many years ago of queues at the airport, giving the misleading impression they reflect what’s happening currently. I too have seen misinformation (‘fake news’) about flights being missed and I can understand the frustration. It would be great to understand more about how the airport will cope with the anticipated increase in passenger numbers and the seemingly inconsistent availability of the electronic gates. Hopefully, at some point in the not-too-distant future, the CEO of the airport will agree to an interview.
These challenges aside, we shouldn’t lose sight that last year, the Algarve was voted as ‘Europe’s Leading Beach Destination’ at the 2023 World Travel Awards. It’s a world first, as no other destination has won this prestigious award a remarkable ten times. The intention for the year ahead is to continue to build on such successes and drive further growth. Promoting the gastronomy of the region, its history, golfing venues and sports complexes along with its wonderful natural landscape and wildlife, will all be key objectives.
As André said, “There are so many opportunities, but at the same time, a need to protect the beauty and the heritage of the region. It’s also important that local people feel the benefits of tourism and I’m not sure it’s fully recognised yet. However, initiatives such as the replanting of 135,000 trees in Monchique (which was funded by Ryanair) help bring these things home to local people, not least by helping them maintain their businesses during the difficult years that followed the fires.”
It was a pleasure catching up with André again. He and his colleagues, along with his partners on the ATB, do such important work promoting tourism in the Algarve, which benefits the economy and the quality of life in the region. Long may that continue.
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