The government is extending the Algarve 365 programme of cultural events for another season, starting in October and ending in May 2020
The initial objective was to combat seasonality, improving the tourist experience in the Algarve municipalities, and created a quality cultural programme.
After three editions, this cultural programme that runs across the region in the low season is to have a fourth, announced the Secretary of State for Culture and the Secretary of State for Tourism, adding that the initiatives have so far attracted more than 300,000 people to 1,553 events for an investment of €4.5 million, financed by Turismo de Portugal," which received EU money.
For the Secretary of State for Tourism, Ana Mendes Godinho, "365 Algarve has been an important instrument to promote the Algarve as a living destination all year round."
The success of this programme has allowed the creation of unique, cultural, authentic and surprising experiences for both domestic and foreign residents as well as tourists. We have also made a great effort to attract air routes in the low season. Since 2016, overnight stays in the low season have grown by 23%. And between the winter of 2015/2016 and the current winter (2018/2019), the number of seats increased by 33%," added Godinho.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Angela Ferreira, said that launching the fourth edition of the "365 Algarve" is "to continue a strategy of boosting the territory and decentralising culture."
The current programme adds more than 400 cultural initiatives, including over a hundred concerts, about 50 theatre performances and nearly 100 activities related to the region's heritage, among other events.
The Jazz in the Wineries, the International Festival of Lights, the Contraband Festival, the Olhão International Film and Literature Festival and the Algarve International Music Festival are other initiatives in the third edition of "365 Algarve.”