Vila do Bispo has been considered Portugal’s “Municipality of the Year 2015” due to the success of its birdwatching festival in Sagres.
It was also named the top municipality of the Algarve.
The distinctions were attributed by the University of Minho through its UM-Cidades project, which aims to “acknowledge and award” successful projects implemented by municipalities.
These projects have to have had “a considerable positive impact” on the area and promoted the “growth, inclusion and sustainability” of their municipalities.
The award ceremony took place on Thursday (July 9) at the Theatro Circo in Braga and was attended by Vila do Bispo mayor Adelino Soares and councilwoman Rute Silva.
Soares said the award was “an acknowledgment of the hard work” of the three organising entities – Vila do Bispo council, bird conservation organisation SPEA and environmental organization
Almargem – as well as the “vast network of local entrepreneurs, volunteers and workers” who took part in the event.
Tourism boss Desidério Silva also congratulated the municipality for its achievement.
“It is a project of excellence, which promotes the preservation of the Algarve’s natural heritage and attracts a growing number of visitors to the municipality and the region,” the president of the RTA said.
Silva also stated the award is the acknowledgement of the region’s attempt to “diversify its birdwatching and nature tourism offer”.
Meantime, it has been confirmed that the sixth Sagres Birdwatching Festival will take place between October 1 and 4.
