This is one of the preliminary conclusions of the study Immigrants in the Tourism and Hospitality Profession in the Algarve, as reported by DV. The work, developed in partnership by the KIPT Association, Innovation and Tourism, Collaborative Laboratory and the Algarve Hotels and Tourist Enterprises Association (AHETA), focuses on the migration dynamics, living conditions and expectations of immigrants who work in tourism and hotels in the region.

The data reveal that the main profile (47.8%) falls into the category of “immigrants with cultural affinity to Portugal and socioeconomic needs” and is predominantly made up of young Brazilian adults seeking financial stability and access to a safer life. “Although this profile shows a relatively solid intention to remain in Portugal, satisfaction with current living conditions is moderate, which may affect long-term permanence”, it states.

The analysis, which provides a detailed portrait of the reasons that lead immigrants to choose the region, their future plans and their satisfaction with their stay in the country, points to a second profile of immigrants for whom quality of life and new opportunities were the motivation for moving to another country. With a weight of 43.9%, this group is made up of young people from Brazil, India and Nepal, most of whom are single and have completed secondary and higher education.

“These individuals came to Portugal attracted by the promise of a better life, with opportunities for personal development and security that they did not have in their countries of origin. Their expectation is growth and stability in a more favorable environment. High satisfaction with living conditions in Portugal reinforces their intention to remain in the country in the long term”, details the study.

Networking

With a weight of 8.3%, a profile distinct from the previous ones emerges, which includes immigrants who moved to the region for work and professional development reasons. They are essentially young, highly qualified Europeans who value networking and opportunities to develop their skills.

“These immigrants see the country as a platform for networking and career growth, but not necessarily as a definitive destination. Dissatisfaction with certain living conditions and a lesser connection with the local culture justify the greater propensity to consider emigrating to other countries or returning to their country of origin”, he indicates.

Algarve Tourism focuses on training

The president of the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA), André Gomes, admits in the report by DV, that the lack of workers in tourism in the south of the country is no longer as significant as it was in the last two years and recognises the role of foreign workers in this relief. “We continue to focus on the importance of migration to respond to a shortage of human resources that we have in the sector and that, in fact, has been largely overcome precisely by these migrants who have been coming to our region in recent years”, he explains.