Portugal was the first European country to receive the "Safe Travels" seal, which acknowledges its commitment to safety, said a government official today.
The distinction, awarded by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), aims to certify destinations that comply with hygiene and safety rules and aims to give confidence to those who travel after the restrictions to avoid the spread of covid-19.
"This seal aims to recognise destinations that comply with health and hygiene protocols aligned with the Safe Travel Protocols issued by the WTTC, helping, above all, to instill confidence in holidaymakers, so that they feel they can travel safely as soon as the restrictions are eased, "explained in a statement the Minister for, Economy and Digital Transition.
The Secretary of State for Tourism, Rita Marques, also considered that the seal comes to reward the effort made in the country.
"Portugal was a pioneer in launching its own the Clean & Safe seal. This WTTC seal comes to reward the effort that was made by all. The best destination in the world must also be known as the safest in the world", said the minister.
The WTTC has also published guidelines for other sectors, such as restaurants, shopping, aviation, airports, congress centers, meetings and events.
The Pestana Hotel Group has recently donated to the Madeiran Health Authorities 20 ventilators to be used at their health centers and hospitals in order to help save the lives of those critically ill with COVID-19.
The Pestana Hotel Group that has its Vacation Club resorts in the Algarve and Madeira has also donated several batches of linen, towels and other items to local hospitals. Group Pestana’s CORAL brewery in Madeira, has also donated 200 litres of alcohol to the local central hospital to be transformed into sanitary and disinfection material that will be used to deal with Covid19.
Other donations have been made by providing food supplies to institutions such as its own CRIAMAR to help children, as well as CASA an institution that provides aid to the homeless in Portugal. In addition, the Pestana Hotel Group has been providing meals to the nurses of Bom Jesus, a health centre in Funchal. Food parcels have also been given to the group’s staff who are over 60, or have special needs.
Another measure that the Pestana Hotel Group has recently introduced is to make one of its hotels in Funchal available, free of charge, to medical staff of the Madeiran Regional Health system, who need a much deserved rest.
Going forward, as resorts are closed and prior to reopening, robust cleaning will be undertaken. All our cleaning procedures and practices will be in place to ensure they observe standards and regulations that warrant the ongoing health and safety of all.
The words are not ours, they are those who best know your professionalism and dedication. To the whole Pestana Hotel Group family, and especially to those who are in the operation, a thank you.
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, today proposed to parliament the renewal of the state of emergency in Portugal for a new period of 15 days to allow measures to contain the covid-19.
The head of state announced the sending of this proposal to parliament in a note posted on the Presidency of the Republic’s website, after receiving a favorable opinion from the Government, which met in an extraordinary Council of Ministers for that purpose.
“After hearing the Government, which gave a favorable opinion, the President of the Republic sent to the Assembly of the Republic, for its authorization, the draft diploma decreeing the renewal of the state of emergency for 15 days”, reads in the note, which includes the attached letter and draft decree sent to parliament and the draft decree.
The state of emergency is in force in Portugal from 00:00 hours on March 19 until 23:59 this Thursday and, according to the Constitution, cannot last longer than 15 days, without prejudice to possible renewals with the same time limit.
To decree, the President of the Republic must listen to the Government and be authorized by the Assembly of the Republic, which will meet on Thursday to debate and vote on the extension of the state of emergency, through a resolution.
This year, the International Museum Day, which is celebrated on 18 May, alluding to the relationship that can be created between the visitor of a given museum and the exhibited collections.
Museums are free on this day, and you can visit their exhibitions and works and participate in initiatives prepared exclusively for this commemorative day. The opening hours are also extended so that more visitors have the opportunity to visit the museum spaces. Some of the museums in the region adhere to the “European Museum Night”, one of the most popular and sought after initiatives, which allows visitors to enjoy the cultural offer of the institutions at an original time. The museums of the Directorate of Museum Services and Cultural Heritage celebrate this date through attractive and out-of-the-box experiences to allow the public to experience the spaces from a different perspective by participating in purposefully organized activities at specific times.
For a full list on madeira's museums or to get more info please click here
