They are the most coveted tourists at European level, although they are no longer part of the European Union: the British are lining up to have the green light to make trips outside their country as of May 17th.
"British tour operators have already announced that they will keep activities suspended until June 24th. Which means that the English will not resume travel until July and, until then, the Algarve cannot count on English tourists", said Mário Ferreira, executive president of the NAU group, which has eight hotels in the Algarve.
The expectations of hoteliers in the Algarve for the main summer months, July and August, are aimed at the Portuguese market, as well as the Spanish market, involving people who can travel by car and without relying on air transport.
" Where I see that there may be an important upturn in the British market is in the post-summer period, in mid-September, October and November, and it may be relevant for the golf segment, which is fundamental in the Algarve, " added the president of NAU hotels, stressing that "it was important for the English to return to the Algarve".
Last week, Portugal had already authorised the arrival of English citizens for professional, study, family reunions or humanitarian purposes, and TAP started to make 15 weekly flights from Portugal to London Heathrow on 23rd April. It is mandatory, in any circumstance, to present a negative Covid test (does not apply to children under 24 months).
"We are happy to welcome British citizens who want to visit us from next month," Economy Minister Pedro Siza Vieira said this Wednesday, reiterating that Portugal is open to receiving travel from the British as of 17th May, with a view to facilitating unrestricted travel with the proof that people are vaccinated, tested or recovered from Covid-19.
From May 17th, it is expected that the British will be authorised to travel outside their country - this still needs definitive confirmation by the British Government - allowing them come to Portugal to take a vacation without the travel having to be justified by essential reasons.
The control of the pandemic is still in a gray phase, despite the eagerness of the destinations to want to open tourism in the perspective of saving the summer . And even with the UK confirming May 17th as the date to open up, allowing citizens the possibility of making trips abroad, there is nothing to prevent the UK governent from making recommendations to restrict certain destinations, or opening 'corridors' with discriminated rules.
Time will tell....
Original article available in Portuguese at http://postal.pt/
Comments
Quick update, just went though the whole CTT customs process online after being forced to createan account (what are they thinking? Do they not already have all the information on the shipping documents? The answer is YES!) and ran the simulation of anticipated charges… 80% VAT and 12 euros CTT fees!! Thank you, Boris.
Agree with thoughts on CTT. I am currently going through customs clearance on some shampoo for my wife, total value @30 euro. Are you serious!!!
I fully support your general principal of customer service, as would most people. Unfortunately, tying it to just the “UK” (as in “UK line”) is problematic.
If this was any other part of the EU, British citizen will be in the long non-EU queue, with people from large countries and continents such as China, Africa or Asia. So enjoy Portugals lovely gesture toward its UK citizens, it won't be like this everywhere.
Just look at the Correio/customs, withholding mail from - in the main - the UK and in some cases charges astronomical rates for in item's release. Take the vaccination - I am 72 and in a high vulnerability group, given AZ and having to wait 12 weeks for the 2nd dose yet there are many that are younger (some 30+ years younger than me) given the Pfizer and have had their 2nd dose. I cite only a couple of things. Organisation is abysmal. Sorry but that's the way it is
If you are simply suggesting that the airport open up another “non EU” booth to help deal with a rush of people (regardless of nationality) then that makes sense. Seems you are suggesting that the Brits are “special” and should be given their own immigration system, in an EU country, which makes no sense!
Yes, they will! Nothing will prevent the hordes of UK tourists flooding over for the cheap booze, food and beaches, bar an outright ban. UK didn't have to leave the EU and immigartion delays, along with all the other issues, is the consequence. Can't leave but still have all the perks! BTW try using citizen lines (as a non citizen) in any other country in the world, regardless of the length of the line.