Algarve's Local Accommodation Embraces Water Efficiency with New Save Water Seal

Local Accommodation in Algarve Joins Water Efficiency Commitment

Local accommodation establishments in Algarve can now join the Commitment to Water Efficiency by signing up for the Monitoring Platform and obtaining the Save Water seal.

In a statement, Turismo do Algarve emphasized that this expansion reflects the region's commitment to sustainable water resource management, which is crucial in a context of water scarcity.

By participating in this initiative, local accommodations must implement an action plan consisting of at least 12 water efficiency measures selected from a list of 60 options.

These establishments will follow a three-phase timeline:

• Phase 1: By March 31, 2025, the first four measures should be implemented.
• Phase 2: An additional four measures are to be adopted by June 30.
• Phase 3: The final four measures need to be integrated by December 31 of this year.

Obtaining the Save Water seal is also a prerequisite to access the +Water Efficiency Support Line provided by Turismo de Portugal, which funds costs related to the implementation of the required measures.

According to the organization, establishments that adopted the Save Water seal achieved significant results in 2024, showing a 16% reduction in total water consumption and a 15% decrease in consumption per overnight stay compared to the same period in 2023. This also led to financial benefits, with average savings exceeding €7,000 annually per establishment.

This initiative stems from Council of Ministers Resolution No. 80/2024, which maintains the drought alert status in Algarve and adjusts the urban sector consumption reduction target to 13%. The measure underscores the commitment of the entire tourism sector to mitigate the effects of water scarcity, solidifying Algarve’s position as a sustainable destination.