The tourism industry is a vital part of Portugal's struggling economy, and as the country faces mountainous debt and international concerns over its economic future, the tourism sector seems to remain relatively untouched, with continued development in the southern Algarve region - even a new "six star" resort is being built in the area. The country certainly depends heavily on the 12 billion euro per year industry, but the success has come at a price and the future development of Portugal's tourism industry is hopefully being carefully considered by officials there.
The Algarve region, which encompasses the southern coast of Portugal has seen steady investment in and construction of hotels, resorts, condos and golf courses throughout the area, as many of the yearly 9 million tourists spend their vacations there. Cheap flights from many European cities, especially the UK, have led to further popularity and over-development, causing many tourists, and indeed the Portuguese tourism industry itself, to embark on a search for new destinations that are less crowded and commercialized.
There are still less developed and populated areas in the Algarve region, particularly at the southwestern tip of the region (and the country), where a national forest has kept development at bay, and where there are still secluded coves and beaches, but much of the region suffers from over-development. The Alentejo region to the north of Algarve is being touted as an alternative to the scene on the south coast. The Alentejo region is sparsely populated and contains many attractions, including beautiful hills, ancient villages, vineyards, olive groves and ruined castles. The area is currently being seen as the next frontier of tourism in Portugal. It is hoped that more careful management of this region will be employed to avoid the growing pains being experienced in Algarve.
Portugal remains an attractive destination, due to low airfares and relatively low prices on accommodations. Winter is a good time to take advantage of savings - for example, the Algarve Hilton Vilamoura Resort is offering discount winter rates with prices starting around 120 euros per night. The Algarve Hilton Portugal is also featuring a Wine & Spa package that is available until December 31st, 2010.
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