Tourism and culture chiefs have been thrashing out ways to boost the region’s often unsung appeal – that of its culture.
Desidério Silva, president of Turismo do Algarve, and Alexandra Gonçalves, the region’s culture director, met last week and thus far things look promising.
“We will try and get more actively involved in cultural tourism to stem the region’s seasonality and strengthen its appeal,” said Silva after the meeting, announcing that the regional culture board would now be “identifying” key areas to use in this strategy.
The list already includes the Mediterranean Diet – recently considered World Intangible Heritage by UNESCO – and the natural beauty of Sagres, also in line for UNESCO recognition.
The Algarve’s rich history could also prompt cultural itineraries set up to explore and discover remnants of the Muslim presence in the Algarve, as well as the Portuguese Discoveries.
But Desidério Silva remains realistic and admits that to be a viable destination for culture buffs, “the region must train and instruct” its workers in the field, as well as adjust the opening hours of museums and monuments.
Although Turismo do Algarve and the regional directorate of culture seem to be on the same page, a debate focusing on the partnership between tourism and culture is expected sometime during the first half of this year and will be bringing together top representatives from both sectors.
Photo: HÉLIO RAMOS
