The Hoteliers Association for the Algarve (AHISA) today introduced an annual "Seal of Quality for Tourism" (Qualidade Turística) which will be awarded to the top 30 restaurants in the region from next year.
The project dreamed up by the AHISA , the School of Hospitality and regional tourism bodies aims to have the stamp recognised as a synonym for 'excellent regional cuisine, hygiene and food safety and customer service.'
The president of AHISA, Daniel do Adro, explained that the certification process starts in November this year with a survey of local restaurants for which there will be no shortage of volunteers who will be offered training for this onerous task.
The AHISA has applied for financial support from funding body 'Algarve 21' and aims also to attract restaurant staff for free training in the School of Hospitality and Tourism in Faro.
The president of the Algarve Tourist Board said today that this is an opportunity not only to promote the best dining in the region, but also to start promoting the 'Mediterranean diet,' now recognised by UNESCO.
The President of the mayors’ group AMAL, Jorge Botelho, considered that the project is a commitment to quality and service excellence in the field of gastronomy, which has established itself as a strategic plus point in the Algarve, a region which continues to fight tourism seasonality.
The association president since 2008 conveniently is the owner of the Hotel Quinta do Lago and the Ria Park Hotel in Vale de Lobo.
