Water-filled suitcases at Faro Airport to urge tourists to “save 235 litres per day”
A creative strategy has been announced by Algarve tourism authorities to raise awareness among arriving tourists about the importance of saving water – transparent suitcases and trolleys filled with water will be placed on the luggage carousel at Faro Airport.
The suitcases and trolleys will be filled with 235 litres of water – the amount that a “conscientious and responsible tourist can save per day during their stay, without affecting their holiday experience”, said Lídia Monteiro, spokesperson for the board of directors of the national tourism authority Turismo de Portugal, at the presentation of the new water-saving campaign on Monday in Faro.
According to Monteiro, it is not enough to simply raise awareness among residents, especially in a region that welcomes large numbers of tourists as the Algarve.
“We know today that when we travel, we must, or should, be concerned about the footprint we leave in the destinations we visit. And that footprint must, above all, contribute towards the protection of territories and its resources,” the spokesperson added.
With climate change and drought taking an increasingly heavier toll on the Algarve and its natural resources, getting everyone involved in the region’s water-saving efforts is viewed as vital.
“The truth is that we use more water than we need to, but most people are not aware. And this is exactly what we aim to achieve with this campaign: to challenge tourists visiting the Algarve to enjoy their holiday in a more conscientious way,” she said.
The campaign will aim to reach tourists at two different moments: when they are “at home planning their trip, thinking and dreaming about the Algarve”; and later when they arrive in the Algarve. As such, it will also be promoted on social media with images of the Algarve containing mottos such as ‘Less pools, more ocean”.
The goal is for tourists to already be aware of the Algarve’s water struggles before they land at Faro Airport. Once they arrive, the plan is to use the transparent water-filled suitcases to cause an impact and show just how much water tourists can save during their holiday. Six water-filled suitcases and trolleys will be placed on the luggage carousel, which tourism authorities hope will create “interesting reactions”. A billboard will also be placed outside the airport reminding tourists that they can save 235 litres per day.
Hotels to receive financial support for new ‘Save Water’ certificate
Hotels and tourist accommodation units in the Algarve will have access to a €10 million funding programme (Linha + Eficiência Hídrica Algarve) to help them implement the measures required to boast the new ‘Save Water’ certificate.
The announcement was made by Turismo de Portugal president, Carlos Abade, at the public presentation of the new certificate, held on Monday at the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA) headquarters in Faro.
Any investment related to the implementation of water-saving measures will be eligible for support, with the programme covering 50% of the cost up to a maximum of €50,000 per company.
As the Resident reported earlier this month, the goal of the ‘Save Water’ certificate is to “certify water-saving” practices. In other words, only hotels and tourist accommodation units that implement a wide range of water-efficiency measures will be granted this certificate.
A total of 60 water-saving measures are linked to the new scheme, which hotels can join for free. These measures will be divided into 20 priority measures (those that have a more immediate impact) and 40 structural measures. Their implementation will be monitored by ADENE – Agency for Energy, through a portal created specifically with this in mind and where companies will report their water consumption levels.
“If they do not implement the measures they committed to, or if they do not report their consumption, they will no longer hold the certificate,” RTA boss André Gomes said, adding that the goal is to extend the project in the future to local holiday let establishments (Alojamento Local, or AL) and other tourism companies.
Gomes added that he is expecting “massive adhesion” from hotels and tourist accommodations in the region, as many have already begun implementing the recommended water-saving measures.
Additionally, companies that run tourist accommodation units in the Algarve will also have access to a national €50 million funding programme ‘Linha de Apoio ao Turismo + Sustentável’ to support investments in environmental sustainability.
Original article by Bruno Filipe Pires for Barlavento
