A majority of the tourists surveyed in Faro by the University of the Algarve said that the region was a safe destination, but admitted that they feared political instability.
The new study, ‘Analysis of the perception of safety of tourists visiting the Algarve,' captured the opinions of 1,519 Portuguese and foreign tourists between July and October this year, explained the lead researcher Maria Brás.
Preliminary results from the study indicate a sense of security when in the region, the recognition of the friendliness and trustworthiness of the security forces, and a lingering fear of discussing any political or social issues.
When tourists were asked to compare their feeling of security in the Algarve compared to where they lived, 73% of foreign tourists and 70% of domestic tourists said they felt equally safe.
Maria Bras stressed that about 90% of the respondents would recommend the Algarve to others as a tourist destination.
"Obviously, the big reason that brings people to the Algarve is the sun, the beach and the weather," said the researcher, adding that when tourists choose a destination they do so with an assumption that it is a safe destination.
The study undertaken by the University of the Algarve is one of a series made over the years and, according to Maria Brás, this latest one confirms that positive values seen in previous studies are being maintained.
