Portugal’s new Economy Minister announced on Tuesday in the Algarve that the government will be investing €15 million in the region’s ports.
During his first visit to the Algarve as Minister of Economy, Pires de Lima confirmed the investment that will be carried out over the next four years, with most funds being allocated to the Portimão port which is looking to expand its appeal to the cruise tourism industry.
Around €10 million will go towards improving the facilities at Portimão port, including dredging the River Arade and widening the navigational area to welcome larger cruise liners, a tourism segment that is seeing increased growth in Portugal.
“Last year around 620,000 cruise tourists visited Portugal and this is certainly an area the government is keen to invest in, not only in Lisbon and Leixões, but also in Portimão,” he said.
By the end of the year, more than 50 cruise stopovers and around 35,000 passengers are expected at Portimão port, representing an increase of 53% on last year.
