en 
"This appeal goes out not only towards knowing quickly what the [TAP's restructuring] plan is, but above all that this [restructuring] plan reflects the importance that these [Brazilian and American] markets have for the region", said Luís Pedro Martins, in an interview with Lusa.
The appeal of the president of Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal (TPNP) for TAP airline to proceed swiftly with information on the restructuring plan and on the routes it will offer, is explained by the fact that the Brazilian markets and American are "two very important markets for tourism in Porto and the North of Portugal".
"The Brazilian market is the third source market in the Porto and North region and is the fifth [output] market for the country", he highlighted, recalling that because of the pandemic the region only reopened "very recently to the American and Brazilian markets".
For Luís Pedro Martins, it is essential to know TAP's plans so that TPNP, together with the North Regional Development Coordination Commission (CCDR-N) and Turismo de Portugal, can jointly outline strategies for the future of tourism in the region.
“We still don’t know what TAP is going to do. It is important to know what TAP is going to do so that we can align or design other strategies, namely with other [airline] companies. And, for that, we also have to count on the CCDR-N and Turismo de Portugal entities”, he said.
Luís Pedro Martins underlined that one of the priority projects for the region is “air connectivity”, something that is a critical success factor for the region.
“If we are not able to resolve it, it is very worrying for the region,” he said.
TAP intends to operationalise the restructuring plan in October, according to the executive president (CEO) of the airline, Christine Ourmières-Widener.
In the first half of this year, TAP SA reduced its losses to 493.1 million euros, a recovery of 15.3%, or 88 million euros, compared to the negative results of 582 million euros in the same period of the previous year.
Since December 31, 2020, a total of 1,302 employees have left the company, which represents a reduction of 16% in the workforce, and the negotiation of agreements with unions through which salary revisions were defined”.
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So, what about the needs of the people who actually live in the country driving the social and economic policies for a change, rather than tourism or multi- nationals with off shore interests?
By Stuart W. from Algarve on 14 Sep 2021, 08:30
Well said Sir. This tourism board will finish Portugal as we know it. No Brain !!!!!!
By J from Lisbon on 14 Sep 2021, 12:06
We would also like to fly to Portugal from Canada, BUT when will Portugal accept the AZ covisheild Indian vaccine??! This is a big factor in the tourism trade surely??!
By Gaynor Spiers from Other on 14 Sep 2021, 14:26
I love Portugal and have been there over 30 times.i am however really concerned about the rocketing prices of accommodation.. many places 50/100 percent up. What happened I. Don't understand
By Arthur Ocheltree from USA on 14 Sep 2021, 17:19
Portugal and TAP, need the business and money that the tourists and tourism, from other countries bring to Portugal. Specially tourists from Brazil and the USA. Tourists that like to spend money in Portugal, and keep on coming all the time. It's also good for the economy, keeping Hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, taxis, trains, buses, and so on, just to name a few, in business. It'll provide jobs and work for the Portuguese people. GOOD FOR PORTUGAL, AND TAP.
By Tony from Other on 14 Sep 2021, 18:18
Spoken like a true capitalist, Tony! Short term gain over all else, including culture, heritage and traditions...unless it is the culture of all day breakfasts, drunken fights and Landover safaris! Controlled tourism is good, overtourism is bad. Portugal's reliance on tourism to drive economic growth is turning the country into a holiday resort with a few local people thrown in for color and to serve the visitors! What happens when the next low cost destination country, with cheap flights, is built up?
By Stuart W. from Algarve on 15 Sep 2021, 09:20
To Stuart W: A wise country would us the present monies to secure and promote culture, heritage, and traditions and set plans to deal with a situation in the future when and if tourism disappears. That's not Capitalism, that's common sense.
By Edward D from USA on 15 Sep 2021, 18:10
Spoken like a true realist, Tony! You're right. Portugal has to make use of its best asset, tourism!, which includes culture, heritage and traditions. Sounds like the Algarve is a nice place to visit (if you're partying tourist), but you wouldn't want to live there, (if you spend most of the day in your slippers.) There's a lot more to Portugal than just the Algarve to attract tourism and help struggling businesses get back on their feet.
By William from Other on 15 Sep 2021, 19:01