The +Algarve Water Efficiency Line, which will be available from April 1st, was created specifically in the context of this water efficiency program that will attest to the reduction of water consumption by tourist enterprises, explained the president of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade.

This was one of the measures approved in February by the Council of Ministers to reduce by 15% the volume of water consumed by the urban sector, which includes the tourism sector, as part of combating the drought in the region.

The financing line, with non-refundable support, has a budget of 10 million euros, from Turismo de Portugal's own revenue. All investments necessary to carry out the measures are eligible, with an incentive rate of 50% on eligible expenses and a maximum value per company of 50 thousand euros.

Companies that operate tourist developments in the Algarve will also have access to the Support Line for Sustainable Tourism, nationwide, which has a global amount of 50 million euros to support investments in the area of environmental sustainability, the president of Tourism also revealed.

This support instrument involves a loan granted by the bank (maximum of 750 thousand euros), with a performance bonus of 30% that can be attributed to companies as long as they comply with performance indicators related to water efficiency.

The 60 measures planned for voluntary adherence to the 'Save Water' seal, to be carried out in three phases until the end of the year, are divided between 20 priority ones, those that will give more immediate results, and 40 structural ones, in the areas of devices, alternative sources , irrigation, swimming pools, equipment, cleaning, behaviors, and management and maintenance.

The measures will be monitored by Adene – Energy Agency, through a portal specifically created for this purpose, where companies will also report their consumption.

“If they do not implement the measures to which they have committed, or if they do not communicate consumption reports, they will no longer bear the seal”, said the president of the Algarve Tourism Region, André Gomes, who in a second phase wants to expand the scope of the seal 'Save Water' for local accommodation and other companies linked to the sector.

Turismo de Portugal will create an awareness campaign for tourists, who in the arrivals area of Faro Airport, when picking up their luggage, will be confronted with six transparent suitcases that will, together, hold 235 liters of water.

This is the volume of water that, according to the World Health Organization, a “conscious and responsible tourist can save, per day, during their stay”, explained Lídia Monteiro, member of Turismo de Portugal, about an action that aims to create a direct impact in tourists.