Speaking to Lusa News Agency, the president of the Association of Hotels and Touristic Enterprises of the Algarve (AHETA) highlighted that the requirement for PCR tests increases the cost of vacations, especially for families, which may be a negative factor for the region in relation to other tourist destinations such as Spain, which has already announced it will not require them.

“At stake, from our perspective, is that the required tests are very expensive, cost three or four times more than simple [antigen] tests, and that, makes the vacations in the Algarve excessively burdensome for tourists”, said Elidérico Viegas.

The president of AHETA defended, therefore, that, as the United Kingdom is the country with the highest rate of vaccination in all of Europe, the Government could "lighten a little" this requirement”.

According to Elidérico Viegas, when choosing a holiday destination, the British market will find that the "family has to pay relatively expensive tests for all" of the elements and "this is reflected in the increase in the cost" of the stay, which "takes away competitiveness [to the Algarve], comparing to destinations that do not have this requirement”.