Hélder Martins, president of the Algarve Hotels and Tourism Enterprises Association (AHETA), is calling for a crackdown on "booze tourism" in Portugal's popular Algarve region, citing concerns over the negative image and disruptive behavior associated with it.
Martins stated that for a significant part of the year, the area experiences "booze tourism" and "stag-party tourism," which he believes contribute to the destination's worst image. He expressed that this type of tourism is not desired by most hoteliers.
His proposal aims to curb tourism characterized by excessive drinking and unruly conduct. However, Martins acknowledged that some local businesses benefit financially from these visitors, with some establishments reportedly making substantial earnings from beer sales by mid-morning.
Incident Highlights Concerns
The call for reform comes after an incident earlier this month where twelve people were injured when a drunk driver allegedly drove into them along the Oura strip in Albufeira. The driver was arrested after crashing into another car and attempting to flee on foot. He was found to be nearly 2.6 times over Portugal's legal drink-drive limit.
Despite this event, Martins suggested it would not affect the Algarve's overall image, but he emphasized the need to curb excessive drinking among tourists.
Rebranding Efforts
Martins proposed that the Algarve should emulate destinations like Ibiza and Magaluf, which have undertaken efforts to rebrand themselves and attract a different type of visitor, moving away from a sole focus on the party scene.
He also advocated for increased police presence and enhanced security measures, particularly during the peak summer months.
While known for its vibrant nightlife, the Algarve is also recognized as a family-friendly destination. The region is one of Portugal's most popular tourist spots, recording 20.8 million overnight stays last year. The notes also mention Portugal's growing appeal to Britons considering relocation, with the number of expatriates tripling in a decade, attracted by favorable tax systems, a low cost of living, and affordable property.
