Algarve’s Tourism Board (ERTA) has revealed plans to begin the certification of spas in the region.
According to ERTA, this procedure will clarify the standards of quality and safety within the health and wellness tourism sector in the region.
ERTA President Nuno Aires said: “These measures will be implemented in 2011 and will help to standardise services within the sector. This is one of the 10 products being developed within the National Strategic Plan for Tourism (PENT).”
Assessments of the spas will be undertaken by experts appointed by the ERTA, who will then establish the criteria and requirements. When this process is completed, only the brands audited will become part of the region’s health and wellness tourism promotion programme.
Currently, the Algarve has around 30 spas, most in five star hotels offering beauty treatments, massages and thermal treatments.
The news comes just three weeks after the announcement that the Algarve is to be promoted as a spa destination and the launch of the first Algarve Spa Week, due to take place between October 2 and 9.
