The president of the Algarve’s Tourist Board, Desidério Silva, has issued a note to the press to support of his hoped-for reappointment from this year to 2023.Silva left his post as mayor Albufeira to lead the regional tourist agency in 2012 and, now that this first contract is coming to a close, has the support of tourism heavyweight André Jordan in support of his bid to remain in gainful employment.
"It is with a sense of accomplishment that I reach the end of my term at the Algarve Tourist Board (RTA). Over the past five and a half years, tourism in the region has changed: we now have a more diversified offer of greater excellence, in which we value our natural resources, our cultural heritage and our traditions more.
“This was only possible thanks to the collaboration of all municipalities, all operators, entities in the sector and all those who collaborate with the RTA, including all its employees," states Silva.
The regional tourism president, riding high on the wave of increased tourism receipts, continued, "I have always been connected to the Algarve and have always participated actively in the development of the region and intend to continue my role in strengthening the image of the Algarve as a destination of excellence in the world's largest tourist destinations, always with a view to its sustainability, wellbeing of the residents and the satisfaction of the tourists who visit us."
Certainly the figures have risen in all the key indicators as Portugal lifts itself from recession, led by the tourism sector. Last year, the Algarve catered for over 19 million overnight stays, "a 33% increase over the start of Desidério Silva's term of office," according to the press release sent out by Silva.
The same document states that "in five years there has been a 76% increase in the total revenue at the Algarve’s hotels and a rise of 54% in passenger numbers at Faro Airport."
Desidério Silva gives himself credit for a Strategic Marketing Plan that defined as a priority the diversification of the tourism in the Algarve, with products including nature tourism, bike touring, walking, birding, sports tourism, nautical tourism to astronomy and wine tourism, horse riding though it is impossible to gauge the level of influence the RTA has had in these growth sectors, most of which have been led by the private sector with help from the publicity produced by the RTA.
Desidério Silva highlighted the numerous awards won by the region during his current tenure and underlined his commitment in the 365 Algarve programme of offseason events, which sought - and many say, 'failed' - to "enhance the relationship between tourism and culture."
It is not yet known who else is vying for this political post.
