Nature tourism represents 23% of nights spent in the Algarve by tourists, according to a newly released study commissioned by the Algarve Tourist Board which proposes an ‘integrated offering’ to companies dedicated to a segment that since 2009 has grown by 50%.
"In nature tourism we see the region's identity, its heritage, culture, crafts, cuisine and wines. We have a diverse set of products which are all interrelated,” said the chairman of the Algarve Tourist Board, Desiderio Silva who also pointed out that this type of tourism is good at filling off-season low periods.
"The findings show that we need to reorganise the products and promote the interconnection between those in this industry segment," waffled Silva, noting, in case we did not realise, that this tourist segment covers different niches such as watching birds, surfing and hiking.
Projects such as Via Algarviana, Ecovia do Litoral and the Rota Vicentina have been helping the growth of this segment which since 2009 has seen a 50% increase in the number of companies dedicated to Algarve nature tourism, despite official indifference which has preferred to concentrate on promoting golf, the big hotels and ‘sun and sand’ holidays.
The report also shows that between 2012 and 2013 the turnover of the tourism companies in this area went up 17%.
The study suggests an integrated approach to marketing is adopted with a strengthening of promotional work for well known events in nature tourism and its inclusion in the region's tourism strategy.
"Regional supply should be based on sustainability, focusing on the conservation and preservation of natural environments, improving the wellbeing of local populations and the enhancement of cultural resources," according to the study’s conclusions.
The report suggests that existing companies form partnerships with specialised international operators and focus on the predominant markets such as Germany, Netherlands and the UK, but also on markets with growth potential such as Belgium, France, Scandinavia, Brazil and the United States of America.
Desiderio Silva said he presented the findings to business owners in the sector who called again for the creation of a competitive, internationally integrated promotion of nature tourism in the Algarve.
Silva has remained silent over the proposed Finalgarve Praia Grande developemnt near Lagoa dos Salgados, Silves, which could be the region's premier bird watching site if developed as such, rather than the current plan for a golf course, three more hotels, and tourist apartments on the 360 hectare site.
The Friends of Salgados have lodged an injunction to halt the development which points out that "the Regional Spatial Plan for the Algarve (PROTAL) recognises the environmental value of Praia Grande as an ecological corridor and the importance of its protection' however 'this important function will be destroyed by the mega-tourist project such as is currently planned."
This plan may go ahead despite a 32,500 signature petition from those who agree with the latest Algarve Tourist Board research and want to see nature tourism developed, not more anodyne hotels in unique wildlife habitats.
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Salgados petition:
The 'Friends of Lagoa dos Salgados' platform includes the following organisations:
A Rocha, Aldeia, Algarve123, www.algarvedailynews.com, Almargem, Birding in Portugal, Birdwatching Algarve, LPN, Portugal Resident, ProActiveTur, Quercus, SPEA
See also:
