The Algarve soon will have a strategy for motorcaravans as the organisations that decide such things are to sign off a protocol on January 21st, 2015.
A press release today informed an expectant public that ‘the Commission for Coordination and Regional Development of the Algarve, the Intermunicipal Community of Algarve, the Algarve Tourism Board and the Algarve Tourism Association will sign a Cooperation Protocol for the implementation of a regional strategy to host motorcaravanning.’
"For many years, this tourist segment has had a strong presence in the Algarve region and with the involvement of these bodies we will have the conditions to move forward with a regional network of spaces for hosting motorcaravans,’ said the CCDR-A news release.
Informal motorcaravanning was until recently the main way such visitors enjoyed themselves in the Algarve, but these authorities see a need for modernisation and the adaptation of motorcaravan campsites exclusively for this trade.
There of course is a decree law, this one from 2008 (1320/2008 17 November) which will 'enable the creation of conditions for the establishment of a regional network of sites to host motorcaravanners.'
The new network will span the region and provide spaces, encourage onward travel across the region, will be promoted within Portugal and abroad, will be compliant with territorial management, and will promote respect for the environment and the safety and comfort of motorcaravanners and the image of the region.
Motorcaravanning groups will be keen to find out what all this waffle means when translated into concrete action as notoriously independent, many will baulk at the insistence that they use authorised parking areas, no doubt with an attendent charge.
In the meantime the winter season sees the Algarve filling up with motorcaravanners mostly parking for free in car parks and other municipal spaces to the annoyance of many locals.
The issue of waste water and sewage is the main concern but the cafes and supermarkets generally are pleased to have the additional winter trade.
Whether organising this highly mobile tourist segment will drive its members to more welcoming climes remains to be seen when the details of this long overdue protocol emerge.
