Implemented in March, the “Save Water” seal already represented more than 30% of beds in tourist resorts in the region by July.
Up until July, tourist resorts in the Algarve that adhered to the “Save Water” seal recorded a 14% reduction in overall water consumption and an 18% reduction in specific water consumption (consumption per night), stated the Algarve Tourism Board (RTA).
The figures were released in the second water consumption monitoring report and the implementation of the water efficiency measures report, compiled by the Energy Agency (ADENE) as part of the Algarve’s Water Efficiency Commitment.
Most of the over 2,300 water-saving measures chosen by participants in the Algarve Tourism Region’s plan, in collaboration with Turismo de Portugal and ADENE, focus on upgrading devices and irrigation systems, enhancing management and maintenance practices, and improving equipment. Over half (53%) of these actions have already been implemented.
Around 75% of those adhering to the “Save Water” seal are concentrated in four municipalities in the Algarve – Albufeira, Loulé, Portimão, and Lagoa – which also have the highest number of beds available.
André Gomes, president of the RTA, says, “These results reflect the tourism sector’s effort to combat water scarcity in the Algarve. Entrepreneurs are fully dedicated to meeting this challenge.”
The “Save Water” seal was implemented in March, and by July, it had already represented more than 30% of beds in tourist resorts in the region. “It is evident that the sector is devoted to embracing practices and behaviours that conserve this vital resource,” he concluded.
It is worth noting that, in the first monitoring report featuring data up to May, the evolution of consumption recorded on the platform pointed to a 12% reduction in global consumption and a 9% reduction in specific water consumption. The newly released data confirms the growing trend in water savings among those who adhere to the scheme.
The Algarve’s dedication to water efficiency was prompted by a resolution from the Council of Ministers in February calling for tourism companies to voluntarily commit to implementing a plan that includes immediate and long-term water-saving strategies, as well as monitoring consumption and the effectiveness of these measures.
Tourist enterprises that adhere to the commitment are awarded the “Save Water” seal.
ADENE created and oversees the Commitment to Water Efficiency Platform, enabling the tracking of water usage in tourist businesses and the advancements in implementing water-saving practices.
