The Monchique area of Portugal’s Algarve region, which was swept by devastating fires last month, is laying plans for recovery that include a plea for visitors to keep on coming to the area.
The visitors are important for local artisans and small businesses that need the income more than ever as they rebuild and redevelop facilities that were destroyed, including many of the region’s famous hiking trails. Despite the damage, many trails are still open or being restored.
As part of the recovery effort, the national government is funneling more aid to the region, as it did in central Portugal after last year’s fires. The aid includes a €22 contribution for each visitor who books hotel rooms in the region.
