Loulé is the most populous council of the Algarve. Its numerous celebrations, festivals, exhibitions, markets, fairs and processions, make this council a reference in creativity. Carnival´s parade, Festival Med, theme markets, processions, exhibitions and conferences are events which, for their artistic, traditional, musical or gastronomical component, allow presenting several professionals still working in the area of traditional arts and crafts. To use this remaining resources, mainly in the unpopulated areas of the council, will bring the visitor close to locals, putting them in contact with cultural authenticity, giving them the opportunity to learn ancient techniques in an authentic environment with local masters. Thus, Loulé proposes to battle against mass tourism and present a different Algarve, with soul, tradition and heritage through the project Loulé Criativo.
Creative Experiences :
Loulé, news & medias :
→ Loulé organiza Turismo Criativo – opcaoturismo.pt 31.03.2015
→ Joves Músics del Conservatori de Yinchuan fan turisme creatiu a Barcelona 17.08.2014
→ Potencial do turismo criativo ja-convenceu Loulé Sul Informacao 20.06.2014
→ Loulé quer integrar a rede internacional de turismo criativo 19.06.2014
→ Turismo Criativ Conversas Experiencias e Workshops Naturlinksapo 13.06.2014
→ Turismo-criativo-promove-batida-fotografica Loulé por-revelar Sul Informacao.pt 12.06.2014
→ Turismo criativo batida fotograficLoulé por revelar 11.06.2014
→ Turismo criativo dá o mote para conversas, workshops e experiências em Loulé-Regiao 3.06.2014
→ Conversas e Experiências à volta do Turismo criativo em Loulé 02.06.2014
→ Loulé vai acolher evento dedicado ao turismo-criativo – Sul Informacao.p 30.05.2014
→ Loulé Criativo marcou presença na FITUR 2017 em Madrid – Algarve Informativo
→ Loulé promoveu-se em Madrid – Algarve Marafado 26.01.2017
→ Municípo de Loulé promoveu-se no maior certame de turismo do país – cm-loule, 24.03.2017
→ «Loulé Criativo» marcou presença no World Travel Market 2016- sulinformaçao 17.11.2016
→ Exploring Creative Options, Caroline Couret, WTM Business Magazine, London, Nov. 2016
→ El turismo creativo, una oportunidad de desarrollo integral – Caroline Couret, Julio 2017
Interview
How would you present Loulé to creative tourists?
The council considered the creation of a new sector of tourism with Loulé Criativo as an opportunity for new activities and entrepreneurs to develop a new touristic economy, which will also help to maintain and innovate heritage, celebrate identity and create an ecosystem in favor of creativity with an attractive annual program with creative residences and experiences.
How was your creative tourism program born?
There was a compelling need and opportunity to widen the touristic offer in order to develop the existing infrastructures, to lengthen touristic stay, avoid massification, help maintain traditions and improve residents’ self-esteem.
In Loulé the economy is mainly based on tourism. It is the area that drives the development of both goods and services, but also activities related to the construction industry, trade and fishery.
Loulé is a rich region in terms of historical and cultural inheritance, of economic origins related to trade and handcraft. It organises several events to value the material and non-material heritage, which express and reveal the identity of the people.
What experiences would you recommend?
Apart from events and cultural entertainment, Loulé holds a wide potential in its interior with its landscape, gastronomy, handicrafts, natural products and a significant component of preserving local habits and traditions, which should be the base for a touristic offer differentiated for its unique quality. That’s why, in my opinion, activities like Pottery, weaving palm or cooking figs represent the soul of the people of Loulé. But in any case, all the activities of the Loulé Criativo program also have a link with our local culture.
Hugo Nunes, Vice-Presidente – Câmara Municipal de Loulé
What is the added value of creative tourism in Loulé?
Facing the needs and requests of a new generation of tourists that search for authenticity and proximity within local agents, it is important to consider creativity and culture as boosters for the development of touristic destinations, with possible consequences for its image and trademark. Cultural and creative events organised by municipalities and partners should be presented as strategic tools for territorial management, helping to shape memorable experiences.
