The Barril Beach Project aims to install a novel type of tourism station on the beach near Tavira with the goal of creating a tourist and recreational space to practice all kinds of beach and sea activities.
The equipment provided will be for a range of activities such as diving, boating, birdwatching, and windsurfing with the aim of eventually erecting a permanent building for marine tourism, culture and leisure.
"The purpose of this space is that sports lovers and novices can practice nautical and nature activities," say the project leaders.
The infrastructure at Barril beach is pioneering stuff. The organisers say that "The location is privileged as users will be able to take advantage of the Pedras d’el Rei and Pedras da Rainha tourist establishments and enjoy the serene and peaceful environment."
This Barril initiative is a pilot scheme supported by government and backed by beach resort Pedras d’el Rei and the University of the Algarve.
it is hoped that a national model can be developed. Next is a website to explain what is going on and the hope is that these bright young things will come up with a matrix of sea and beach related activities that will involve minimal investment and attract the maximum number of off season tourists.
The Barril Project is run by twelve graduate interns stationed at the beach for one year. They started last September and it is hoped that the ideas thay have been working on will get full financial support from the Ministry of the Ocean which may benefit from some new thinking.
