A study has revealed that 96.3 per cent of tourists visiting the Algarve felt just as, or more, safe throughout their visit than they do at home.
Carried out over three months by the Escola Superior de Gestão Hoteleira e Turismo da Universidade do Algarve, the hotel management and tourism departments of the University of the Algarve, students asked 1,262 tourists between, July 7 and October 14, travelling home from Faro Airport how safe they felt the Algarve was during their holiday.
Overall, the results were positive. Many said they chose the Algarve as their preferred holiday destination for the climate and the environment.
They commented that the beaches were of a high standard and the quality of the places they stayed was good. The pleasant hospitality of the residents was mentioned and an important factor in choosing the Algarve was how safe they felt.
When they went out at night for dinner, drinks or just a wander, they said they felt no anxiety and had confidence in the capabilities of the local police force.
They were asked about whether they would return in 2007, 52.8 per cent said that they definitely would and 30.2 per cent said that they would return within the next three years.
Of the tourists questioned, 54.5 per cent stayed in hotels, 30.4 per cent in apartments or villas, seven per cent stayed with family or friends and 5.7 per cent said that they stayed in their second homes.
The University said that the study confirms that Europe is regarded as a safe continent overall and the Algarve as one of the most recommended regions.
Hélder Martins, the president of the Região de Turismo do Algarve (RTA), the regional tourism board said he was happy that families saw the Algarve as an ideal tourist destination for their holidays and that it was not only hospitable but safe.
