Marcelo believes that the situation with tourism is “less complex than expected, but more complex than we would like.”

This Wednesday, the President of the Republic expressed optimism that tourism will continue to overcome the challenges, also taking into account that the situation is less complex than expected a year ago, but more complex than we would like.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa took part this Wednesday via video link in the opening of the 34th National Congress of Hotel and Tourism, organized by the Portuguese Association of Hotel and Tourism Business (AHP), in Funchal (Madeira).

“I’m sorry I’m not with you today [na Madeira] because your congress is taking place at a very important moment for the Portuguese economy. This is important because the international context is difficult. This is not easy geopolitically, given two wars and another open conflict. This is not easy from an economic point of view. The economic costs of this geopolitical situation in large economies such as China. But, above all, in what concerns us more directly in Europe,” he said, citing as an example, for example, the German economy, “which is not gaining momentum.”

Despite this, the President of the Republic considered that the situation “will therefore be a less difficult time than expected six months ago, but more difficult than what everyone would like.”

The President of the Republic also confirmed that Portugal has an opportunity in this context.

“We are close to what European implementation is, but away from tension zones, away from the most problematic regions, which is an advantage from a tourism point of view,” he said, recalling that this “allows us to attract new audiences,” as well as “ allows for the old entertained public” to Portugal.

And it is within this framework, he emphasizes, that it is necessary to continue the revival of Portuguese tourism.

“And these next few months will be critical. But are there political cycles between them that can overlap and be interrupted, causing harm? My answer is no. There are cycles at different times, but these cycles are lived and must be respected. lived with constitutional normality. And, above all, with economic and social normality,” he added.

Marcelo Rebelo de Souza once again praised the ability of the sector’s agents to reinvent themselves, always anticipating problems and reacting with great determination.

“For this reason, I am optimistic and look forward to your wonderful meeting in Madeira. I give each and everyone a big hug, with the confidence that this year too the problems for Portuguese tourism will be the same as for the Portuguese economy. or Portugal will be defeated,” he concludes.

The MAI National Congress has 500 participants and will last until Friday under the theme “Horizon 20-30”.