On Monday 6 July, Quinta do Canhoto in Albufeira hosted a milestone moment for Algarve tourism.
Some 250 people watched AHETA and AIHSA, the region’s two largest tourism business associations, sign a Memorandum of Understanding formally launching their merger into a single body: AETA, the Algarve Association of Tourism Companies.
Two Associations, One Long-Discussed Union
AHETA, founded in 1995 and representing hotels, tourism real estate and entertainment, and AIHSA, founded in 1971 and rooted in hospitality and restaurants, bring a combined membership of around 1,300 businesses to the new entity. Presidents Hélder Martins and Daniel do Adro both framed the merger as additive rather than a break from the past — a modern structure built to lead Algarve tourism’s future without erasing either association’s history. (Publituris)
A Full House of Regional and National Backing
The ceremony was presided over by Pedro Machado, Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, who closed proceedings by welcoming a stronger, unified Algarve tourism sector as good news for Portugal’s wider economic competitiveness. André Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Region, and António Pina, president of the Algarve Intermunicipal Community, both spoke in support, while Albufeira’s mayor, Rui Cristina, was among those present, calling the merger a sign of the maturity and strategic vision of the region’s business community. Francisco Calheiros, president of the Portuguese Tourism Confederation, rounded out the institutional line-up. (Publituris)
Why This Matters for Golfers Booking a Trip
Industry consolidation rarely makes for gripping reading, but a region that speaks with one voice tends to invest more coherently in the things golfers actually notice — course maintenance, service standards, transfers that run on time. The Algarve has never lacked for courses. What this merger suggests is a sharper, better-resourced case for keeping them, and everything around them, at the level this destination is known for.
