(APAL) elected, on April 23, its corporate bodies for the three-year period 2026-2029, in an election in which the slate presented was approved unanimously, with no record of negative or invalid votes.
Desidério Silva remains president of the Board, now accompanied by a renewed team that includes representatives from several local companies. Paulo Freitas assumes the presidency of the General Assembly and Carlos Santos heads the Fiscal Council.
During the inauguration, Luna Silva, president of the Municipal Assembly of Albufeira, highlighted the importance of the association in valuing the territory, congratulating the new governing bodies and wishing them success for the new mandate.
Cristina Corado, councilor for Tourism, highlighted the relevance of the partnership between APAL and the municipality, pointing out the joint promotion model as a differentiating example at a national level.
New direction focuses on strategy and growth
In his inauguration speech, Desidério Silva highlighted the future challenges, defending the need to reinforce the promotion of the Albufeira brand and to value the territory’s assets.
The person in charge praised the diversity of the approximately 260 members, highlighting APAL’s role in supporting the municipal strategy for tourism.
In this context, he highlighted the attraction of new members as a priority, not only for financial reinforcement, but also to increase the strategic capacity of the association.
Regarding the new team, the president said that it is a group with experience and knowledge of the territory, capable of responding to the sector’s challenges.
Careful management and focus on members
Desidério Silva warned of the need to define priorities, stating that APAL does not have the capacity to “be everywhere”, requiring strategic management of resources.
The leader reinforced that the association will continue to be guided by criteria of rigor and transparency in the application of available resources.
He also highlighted that resources are limited, and it is essential to maximize the impact of each investment for the benefit of members and the board.
The strategy will involve selective actions oriented towards concrete results.
Mandate marked by innovation and proximity
For the new cycle, management is committed to strengthening its proximity to members and investing in innovative promotional actions.
Desidério Silva also challenged the city hall to deepen joint work, especially in the areas of culture and sport.
The president considers these sectors fundamental for the projection of the destination, especially in a context in which Albufeira assumes the title of European City of Sport.
The new management thus intends to consolidate APAL’s position as a central agent in promoting the municipality.
List of candidates for APAL’s governing bodies – Triennium 2026/2029
Assembly – General
President
Paulo Freitas – Paulo Freitas Advogados
Secretary
Alberto Saraiva – Arqelite, Lda
Vowel
Paula Cardoso – Asalgarve – Travel and Tourism Agency, Lda
1st Substitute
Mônica Ataíde – Tasca da Xica Restaurant
Fiscal Council
President
Carlos Santos – VI Real Estate Management and Administration, Lda
Vice-President
Frederica Costa – Albufeira Building
Vowel
Luís Pereira – Our Holiday Flat (Local Accommodation)
1st Substitute
Nuno Cruz – X-Ride Algarve
2nd Substitute
Carlos Encarnação – Fishing and Boating Club Albufeira – CPNDA
Direction
President
Desidério Silva – DS Consultoria
Vice-president
Vitor Vieira – Sonintur – Sociedade Nacional de Investimentos e Turismo, SA
Vice-president
Pedro Bacalhau – Varzeamar – Atividades Marítimo Turísticas, LDA
Vice-president
Dora Coelho – Interhome Group
Vice President/Treasurer
Honorio Teixeira – Visacar, Motor Vehicle Rental, SA
Vice President/Secretary
Hugo Brites – Mundo Aquático, SA
Vice-president
Mauricio Martins – Albucoop – Albufeira Radio-Taxi Cooperative
Vice-president
Marcos Sousa – SGEHR – Management and Exploration Company of Hotels and Resorts, SA
Vice-president
CarloS Mealha – Império Noctivago, Lda
1st Substitute
Nuno Palma – Florival Palma, SA.
2nd Substitute
João Xufre – Albufeira Surf & SUP
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