“It is fundamental for the Algarve to make itself heard,” association says
The Algarve has a new association created to “defend and provide a voice to the most relevant tourism region in Portugal.”
Associação Amigos do Algarve (Association Friends of the Algarve) has been formed by a group of “entrepreneurs and personalities linked to the Algarve” in a bid to make the region “more attractive, competitive and acknowledged.”
“The Algarve is the centre of attention in the summer, but throughout the rest of the year, is of little or no importance to those who lead the country,” the association says in a statement to the press. “Uniting the people of the Algarve and making them believe in the potential of their home is one of our biggest goals. It is fundamental for the Algarve to make itself heard on a regional and national level.”
The association – which has adopted the moniker “3A” after the coveted “Triple A” credit rating, symbolising their ambition to achieve top standards in economic, environmental, social, and cultural arenas – is led by José Manuel Trigo, former Tourism Director of luxury resort Quinta do Lago and founder of the T-Clube and Trigonometria nightspots, who serves as president. The leadership team also boasts vice-presidents Michael Ferrada and Ricardo Caliço, both real estate entrepreneurs, and Fernando Santos, a former journalist with experience in major media outlets like Rádio Renascença and TVI.
“The Algarve can and should be much more developed and competitive; all we need to do is be more demanding about the results of economic and social policies for the region,” says association president José Manuel Trigo. “It is true that the Algarve developed a lot in recent years, but there is still much disorganisation in terms of land management policies which keeps the Algarve from being duly recognised internationally as a region of excellence and sees it overlooked compared to other destinations in Europe and the world.”
Vice-president Ricardo Caliço echoes this sentiment, stressing the importance of creating an environment in the Algarve where businesses and individuals can thrive. “We want a region where companies and people can have a favourable environment for conducting business and creating wealth,” he says.
Michael Ferrada adds that the government must finally recognise the Algarve’s economic importance to the country, and tackle, “in a structured way”, the issues that the region faces, be it in terms of health, education, the environment and infrastructures.
One important aspect about the association is that it aims to be open to everyone and is not linked to any political party or movement, explains Fernando Santos. “It is a nonpartisan civic movement without political motivations,” he says, adding that the goal is to “mobilise the Algarve people and friends of the Algarve” to focus on key issues in the region.
The association’s team is also comprised of Carlos de Deus Pereira, a lawyer and former Portuguese international footballer, who presides over the general assembly, alongside vice-president Anny Ferrarini, also a lawyer, and secretary António Lima, a Superintendent in Portugal’s PSP police. The fiscal board is led by Pedro Matias, Chair of the ISQ Group, with energy sector executive Paulo Bernardo as vice-president and tax attorney Miguel Lourenço as secretary.
With its leadership team now in place, the association is working on assembling a strategic council. This group will be comprised of thought leaders and experts who can offer insights and proposals to guide the Algarve’s progress. Carlos de Deus Pereira describes their approach as “constructively critical,” promising to work alongside regional and national bodies to make an impact.
In the coming months, the association will meet with key stakeholders, including government officials, members of Portugal’s Parliament, the Algarve Regional Development Commission (CCDR Algarve), the Algarve Municipalities Association (AMAL), and the University of the Algarve.
The association has also launched its website and is present on social media, where it will share updates, gather feedback, and aim to attract more supporters committed to the Algarve’s future.
