Olhão - 3.3 magnitude earthquake

olhaoportAn earthquake of magnitude 3.3 on the Richter scale was felt on Monday in the Olhão area and was registered by Mainland Seismic Network stations at 18.40, according to the Portuguese Institute of Ocean and Atmosphere.

Portugal is the ‘best place to visit by aeroplane’

airbusPortugal has been voted the ‘Best Holiday Destination for Aviation’ among 25 European countries competing in the Zoover Awards, according to Turismo de Portugal.

The awards are divided into categories such as destinations, tourist attractions and accommodation. The country earned a score of 9.12 on a scale of 0 to 10.

Further blow to Beja's forgotten airport

airplaneThe commencement of weekly charter flights between Paris and Beja airport in Portugal’s Alentejo region has been postponed.

The plan to carry French tourists to and from the region may still go ahead in May this year according to the French-owned airports operator ANA which is in charge of Beja airport.

EU reforms banking rules

euThe risk of further EU taxpayer-backed bailouts has been curbed by the EU.

MEPs have voted in favour of creating a new European authority which will be able to wind up or restructure failing banks.

World supply of diamonds dwindles

diamond2The world’s supply of diamonds has been eroding over the last two decades.

 

Coupled with a sharp rise in demand from China’s burgeoning middle class, analysts believe the price of diamonds is set to go up.

Number of Mafia killings falls dramatically

italy2Killings committed by the mafia in Italy have dropped by 80% over the last 20 years, according to the United Nations.

There was a high point in 1992 when nearly 350 murders were reported. This fell dramatically in 1993 and 1994, but was followed by spikes through the late 1990s.

Barclays Portugal - three managers acquitted

barclayshqThree former managers of Barclays Portugal, including its former President Peter Mottek, have been reinstated after an internal investigation conducted by the British parent company found them innocent of involvement in market rigging.

The problem Barclays now faces is that their high-flying employees’ jobs have been given to other people. The three can expect generous pay-offs funded by a red-faced Barclays in the UK.

Vilamoura development - 360 hectare resort given the go-ahead

LacustreThe Cidade Lacustre project in Vilamoura takes another step towards a start date as the government this week gave the go ahead for the €1billion project destined to cover over 360 hectares, much of it agricultural land.

The project lies between Vilamoura Marina and Açoteias, Albufeira and side-steps normal planning requirements as it has been deemed of “relevant public interest” by the government.