THE ALGARVE has its biggest ever budget for tourist promotion next year – 10 million euros – which officials promise to spend in ways that derive “tangible benefits” for the region.
“We need to take advantage of resources so that our tourist industry can maintain its recovery,” said Hélder Martins, president of the Algarve Tourist Board. Martins added that the region needed to broaden its traditional appeal, moving from ‘sun and sea’ towards publicising itself as a sporting venue. Having more resources “should result in a broadening of promotional steps for the exposition of the Algarve’s product and the region’s image,” he said.
Promotion for next year will involve the traditional markets – Britain, Germany, Ireland and Holland – but also emerging markets such as France and Russia. In addition, around 300,000 euros will be spent on publicity in Spain, with a view to attracting sporting enthusiasts.
During 2005 the Algarve’s tourist revenue increased by 6.4 per cent. The forecast for next year envisages a further modest increase.
