en 
According to a press release from the ATA, the President of AHETA was quoted, about the hypothetical opening of the destination only in 2021.
“We are clarifying that AHETA was asked for a clarification, that this association was promptly available to be provided in the form of a disclaimer, which we attached together and which was sent to our communication agency in this market, as well as to the respective delegation of Turismo de Portugal, for its dissemination.
“Nevertheless, even though the statements in question have been decontextualized from the true intention expressed, the fact is that the potential repercussion in the image of the destination has forced a redoubled effort in the communication carried out by ATA, which prepared a press release, addressed to the UK, highlighting the special security conditions and the reopening of tourist activity in the region,” said the statement
The ATA confirmed that they are currently working intensively to minimise the impact of the article and that the association has already contacted The Sun newspaper and the journalist responsible for the article.
A new press release has now been sent to the UK media to highlight the region as a destination for tourism this summer.
João Fernandes, President of Algarve Tourism said: “The country was quick to adopt preventive measures and extensive testing at an early stage to mitigate the spread of the pandemic, and as a result we have had much fewer cases than other European countries. Furthermore, the Algarve is one of the least affected regions in Portugal, and so we are now in a position to carefully plan a gradual reopening of its economic and social activity”.
Already, golf courses, marinas and car hire businesses are open with strict health protocols in place and over a third of hotels in the region are open with 75% expected to be open in June and most open in July.
The ATA maintains that beaches will open in June, with health regulations and procedures in place, that restaurants will open on 18 May with 50% capacity restrictions and that water parks will open in June and July.
João Fernandes says that “As a result of a large effort by the national authorities, public and private sector agents in the region to define the best practices in terms of safety and security, the Algarve is ready to restart its tourist activity. Sector agents in the region are strongly committed to reopening their businesses in a gradual, responsible and safe manner.”
The new press release from the ATA is currently being distributed across the media in the UK and Ireland and is also being sent to members of the British community in the Algarve to help spread the word about tourism in the Algarve
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But if there is a 14 day quarantine period when UK tourists return home, few people will travel.
By Nigel Judd from Alentejo on 13 May 2020, 16:56
Doomed if they do, doomed if they don't.
Brits and other potential short term visitors may think twice about coming to Portugal this summer. Before you book, consider that you're probably being welcomed like an alien invader. Portuguese are genuinely one of the most friendly and hospitable folks in the world but there's a limit when it concerns their own personal health and the welfare of their families.
Sure enough, the Algarve will be open to tourists this summer. However, locals will be highly anxious about seeing and / or serving anyone from outside the region, nevermind from outside the country.
The shock from the lockdown, economic shutdown, virus based health updates and the potential for a 2nd wave this winter have forever changed the perception of tourism for the people in the Algarve, as probably everywhere else in the world.
FYI, the beaches aren't open yet. For some reason officials are dragging their heels. Masks are mandatory in all public buildings, all shops and malls. Restaurants may only serve outside for the time being. When they finally reopen, they may only allow 50% of their capacity to be seated. Try and relax at the pool but keep the distance and if you walk between pool and lobby, please wear your mask.
By Paula from Algarve on 13 May 2020, 17:20
Really good to hear this news, we love the algarve and come to abuferia for Christmas and new year, we have already booked for this year, we were so upset to read the article in British newspapers saying we wouldn't be able to go until 2021, can't wait for our visit x take care and stay safe everyone x
By Patricia kitching from UK on 13 May 2020, 17:35
Couldn't agree more, too much fake news out there at the moment. It damages people and business'
By Frankie Beats from Algarve on 13 May 2020, 19:24
Are they NUTS. THE Algarve is a time bomb as is everywhere else. To open will cause lives.
By David James from USA on 13 May 2020, 23:21
But when will Faro airport open and allow visitors from UK to enter Portugal?
By Steven Elder from UK on 14 May 2020, 05:47
The mayor of Amity in j
By Geoffrey Carter from Porto on 14 May 2020, 08:11
Hoping to come first two weeks of September. My wife and I have been coming a few times a year but this quarantine issue needs clarification.
Stay safe From Ireland.
By Harry Ryan from Other on 14 May 2020, 08:30
I have booked to come out on the 30/12/2020
Hope we are allowed to come so looking forward to it.
By Natalie Elniff from UK on 14 May 2020, 09:23
Hi I'm from Ireland 22 years without a break going to Praia da Rocha for holidays could someone please let me know about the 14 day isolation rules before I ré book this year thank you
By Valerie coffey from Other on 14 May 2020, 09:37
Que les britanniques ds leur Brexit gardent leurs distances ds leur contexte contagieux,dangereux pour notre population qui a su très vite se protéger avec autodiscipline.Notre deconfinement est déjà difficile pour sécuriser nos vies celles de nos enfants nos étudiants nos « vieux ».Que le tourisme reprenne ,OUI,mais avec des nations qui nous respectent sans être dédaigneux ni prétentieux.
By Amice Élise from Algarve on 14 May 2020, 13:32
Businesses must open with the utmost caution , The Algarve will not thrive without Tourism.
By Larry Pratt from Algarve on 14 May 2020, 15:03
I dont want to come to Algarve-I want to come to check that my house and garden are ok and to carry out necessary maintenance-I dont want to sit on beaches- I dont want to go to water parks - I will be quite happy to stay in my house and garden in the beautiful weather- I will order takeaway or delivered meals from our favourite restaurants putting support and money into the local restaurants -I will not be putting the health of algarveans in jeopardy.
By Anthony Foxwell from UK on 14 May 2020, 17:32
We lost our holiday in May to Algarve, now booked for 6th-20 September will the Algarve be ready??
Will we be allowed to quartine in our own house on return???
By Robert Webb from UK on 14 May 2020, 17:49
We are due to travel to a villa in the Algarve (Affinity Villas ) on the 30th July to 13th August. Is there any information regarding holidays not taken in Hotels. Also do we have to isolate when we arrive. Any help would be appreated. Both my husband and are are a party of six travelling with our Children and Grandchildren, we are in our 70's.
By Joan Johnson from UK on 14 May 2020, 19:20
First, congratulations to the Portuguese Government for containing COVID 19 and as reported due to measures being taken at an early stage is one of the lowest affected countries in Europe. For this year at least, visitor's decisions on where to go on holiday could be based on a "COVID risk factor" which will potentialy render the Algarve as a prime place to visit. Of more specific concern of course is that UK visitors make up a very signifcant number of total visitors and as the worse affected European country, it will be like opening your front door to an unwelcomed guest. I acknowledged the need to get the economy going and there is clearly no easy solution, but if we are to keep the Algarve relatively free of the virus, it is vital that the proposed 14-day isolation period for arrivals into the country is properly and vigourously observed.
By Alan from Algarve on 15 May 2020, 09:12
I was born in Portugal but live in Canada for 56 years. I have a vacation condo in the Vale do Lobo area. Normally I spend 4 months yearly but this time I got stranded without flights back to Canada. I can't blame anybody for wanting to come to this beautiful country but PLEASE think beyond yourself''s. If your allowed to come, and do come, obey the rules enjoy the great local people, the beaches and food etc, but do it safe. It's not a time to act foolish or drunk and party on like some of the tourists do. I will probably remain here for a few more weeks or months and I would like to remain healthy so that I can return home to my family and in future return to the Algarve as much as possible. Be wise and kind this is nowhere near over.
By Joe from Algarve on 15 May 2020, 14:09
We visit the Algarve every summer and absolutely love it. We are responsible people and truly hope we will be able to holiday there this July/August. Our holiday is still booked, but unless the travel restrictions are lifted and the UK changes their 14 day quarantine plans, then we fear we will not be able to travel.
By Elizabeth Davis from UK on 15 May 2020, 15:05