In a bid to make travelling from Lisbon to the Algarve more appealing and “wallet-friendly”, Albufeira Mayor is calling on the government to abolish all motorway tolls after the 25 de Abril Bridge.
José Carlos Rolo’s appeal came during an online conference about the upcoming summer in the Algarve, held on Wednesday (May 27), in which he revealed that the local council has already invested €4 million in measures to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This summer is anticipated by everyone as it will mark the relaunch of one of the most important economic sectors (tourism),” he said.
According to Carlos Rolo, the Algarve has set a good example during the pandemic which is reflected on its Covid-19 numbers, “not as dramatic when compared to other regions of Portugal”.
However, there is still a long road ahead before the pandemic is defeated, he recognises.
“There are two fundamental aspects and one of them is safety on the streets and on beaches. The other relates to people’s own health safety, which is why we will be carrying out a large awareness campaign among the people who visit us to encourage them to follow the national health board’s recommendations,” the mayor said.
Ensuring holidaymakers who arrive at Faro Aiport follow all guidelines will be especially important in keeping the pandemic under control.
The mayor understands visitors will want to enjoy their holidays after weeks of confinement, however, he said, “there cannot be one single case of disobedience”.
“The individual responsibility of each and every one of us is fundamental,” said Carlos Rolo, adding that although there will be fewer tourists this year, the “quality of services will be higher”.
