Since the beginning of May Portugal has started to lift the measures of the lockdown to gradually opening of the economy and social life. The second phase of this plan started on May 18 as the effects of the pandemic in Portugal has maintained its downward curve after lifted measures in phase 1, it's strengthening confidence and certainty in entering the second phase and likewise those proposed for the subsequent phases. In Portugal you now see shops, restaurants and businesses open again. As this is in line with the rest of Europe where we see lockdowns ease across the continent, and with borders start to reopen it seems that tourism is set to rise just in time for summer holiday travel.
Portugal has been praised for their approach
Portugal has been praised all over the world for their approach and accurate decisions in their strategy to control this pandemic. President João Fernandes said: “Portugal 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”.
With restaurants opening their doors in May on 50% capacity, and hotels plan on opening at the end of June we can see the first steps being taken to be ready for summer tourists. Beaches will open in June as well, and water parks will open in June and July, all with special health regulations and procedures in place.
And although today most countries still have travel restrictions, and Portugal still has the travel ban on all but essential visits by foreigners, it is expected that this will change from mid-June. We can see several airlines preparing for departure to Portugal from June 15 like Wizz Air and Ryanair has announced to start flying to Portugal again from July 1st.
Portugal as one of the best holiday destinations in 2020
Portugal continues to represent a safe destination for many holidaymakers, confirms Portugalist, with 78 percent of tourists saying that the country has done a good job in response to the coronavirus crisis.This shows as well by the decision of Portuguese government to not have a 14-day quarantine procedure for people entering the country (with exception of the Madeira islands), which makes it possible to travel to Portugal for just a few days or a relaxing long holiday without quarantine. Face masks, not shaking hands, social distancing (2 meters in Portugal) as well as staying at home when not feeling well are basic principles that will apply, as well as extra rules for restaurants, public transport, beaches and golf courses to protect the health of visitors and staff and in airplanes we can expect masks to be mandatory and sanitizing wipes to be handed out as well as gloves for the crew, but all of that is something we are getting to used to by now.
Faro International airport also has measures already in place to welcome visitors; they will give temperature checks on arrival, have hand sanitizer at all points of the terminals, insist on the use of face masks, and impose social distancing measures with plastic screens used at service counters and use “hospital-level disinfectants”. Drivers will be isolated from passengers on public transport and face masks are mandatory for everyone. The Algarve is very well prepared and so are we.
More and more people can't wait to come to Portugal whether for a holiday or finding their dream home. According to Martins and travel blog Portugalist, holidaymakers are “counting the days” before it is possible to return to the country.
Schedule your viewing trip
We can see the number of inquiries going up each day in the last 2 to 3 weeks. People are really looking ahead in time and making decisions in how they want their future to look like post-corona. Many who had the dream of buying a (second) home in Portugal, now even want it more.
With airlines announcing flights to departure from mid-June and July 1st, now would be a good time to start planning ahead. When do you want to come over to Portugal once travel bans are lifted?
Looking forward to seeing you soon
We are ready to meet you, do viewings and help you find your dream. Our offices are open again and we received already various viewing requests in the last days. We are also fully prepared to comply with all safety measures and therefore we will wear masks and gloves, open up the properties before we start te viewing(s), do most of the talking outside in the sunshine, minimize the number of people inside a property, ánd ask you to drive your own (rental) car and follow our company to the viewing(s). New rules, but the same service!
We can't wait to see you again!
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