“[The year] 2026 will be pivotal for the Algarve, requiring the combined efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that the region continues to assert itself as an internationally renowned, innovative and inclusive destination,” according to a press release.

The Algarve Tourism Region approved the Activity Plan and Budget for 2026, which foresees a total investment of over 8.8 million euros, adding up all the funding sources planned for 2026, the note states.

“With its unanimous approval, Algarve Tourism reaffirms its commitment to an integrated strategy that values ​​the territory, diversifies the tourism offer, promotes innovation and reinforces the Algarve's reputation as a sustainable, competitive destination aligned with the challenges of the future,” it states.

Among the planned structuring projects, the institution highlights the Iberian Wine Tourism Congress, which reinforces the commitment to wine tourism as an emerging product; the international conference Forum Decarbonize + Algarve, which will focus on the “sustainability and capacity building” of small and medium-sized enterprises in the face of energy efficiency challenges; and a new edition of the Algarve Nature Fest, which in 2026 will be centred on the “enhancement” of the cultural and natural heritage of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

According to the statement, the RTA will also monitor the evaluation process of the Algarvensis Geopark by UNESCO, whose final decision is expected in the spring of 2026, “underlining its contribution to the diversification of the tourism offer through the region's unique geological heritage”.

The entity will also work on preparing the application for the new Portugal Events Regional – Algarve incentive system, aimed at attracting and holding strategic events for the destination.

Promotion

Regarding tourism promotion, the RTA states that 2026 will be marked by the region's "reinforced presence" at national and Iberian events, with particular emphasis on the Lisbon Tourism Exchange (BTL) 2026, where the Algarve will be the invited national destination, returning to that status after a decade.

The promotional strategy also includes participation in FITUR (Madrid), B-Travel (Barcelona), Expovacaciones (Bilbao), INTUR and FINE – Wine Tourism Market Place (both in Valladolid), among other fairs considered priorities for the Iberian market.