Elly and Gerard Bos have had a bed & breakfast in the north of Portugal for more than a year. In Villa Branca Barreiros last year, after a thorough renovation and major investments, five luxurious rooms and a suite were prepared to welcome the guests. What was supposed to be a great new season in 2020 came to an abrupt halt due to the corona virus.

half a season before Villa Branca Barreiros

Although last year only half a season could be expected, is Villa Branca Barreiros open all year round and in 2019 they received guests from all over the world: of course the Netherlands and Belgium, but also Germany, France, England, Poland, Switzerland, Finland, Italy and Spain. And what about Japan, the United States, Canada and Brazil? 

This is a result of increased tourism and thus one of the main sources of foreign currency income for Portugal. Braga, the third city in the country, was runner-up in 2019 for the “most interesting city trip in Europe”! The four-country football tournament brought extra international publicity. 

excellent and relatively cheap

And the basis for a trip to Portugal is excellent. Accommodation is relatively cheap, especially outside the big cities. Friendly, helpful people, good food and drinks, beautiful varied nature and views, beautiful golf courses. A coastline with extensive beaches on the Atlantic Ocean of more than 900 kilometers. Beautiful vineyards, mountains and many rivers. But what will 2020 be?

The whole world, except some isolated islands, is plagued by the Corona virus. The consequences for people, companies and business are enormous. Care for infected people and those around them are leading in the media. The national and municipal governments intervene strictly: strict to very strict. 

You may think that we know, but this is not a description of the Dutch situation, but of the Portuguese situation. Portuguese and other inhabitants are severely affected. And the country is locked. Spain, the only neighboring neighboring country, closed its borders: you cannot enter or exit Portugal by land. Porto and Lisbon, important port cities, no longer allow cruise ships: international ferry traffic by sea has been shut down. 

Fly? Just stop it. So taxis are standing still. Shuttle buses are stopped. Train traffic, which is good in terms of content, but very limited, is at a loss. Cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Guimerães, trekkers of international visitors, seem extinct and once again owned by the Portuguese. No more rolling suitcases. And many booking agendas remain empty for the time being: no business, no turnover, no income. Not for individuals, but also for companies and government. An economic crisis threatens again after 2010.

the economy is under pressure

There are many protective measures for carers and the street scene also fills with masked and gloved people. It is quiet on the street. People are far apart. Shaking greetings with hands, let alone hugging with kisses, has been replaced by a remotely spoken greeting and health concerns. Events have been canceled. 

Public transport has been minimized. Schools closed. Restaurants, cafes and hotels, including the bed and breakfasts, are closed forcibly. People work at home. Business activity is declining in an alarming form: the economy is under pressure. Businesses fear for their survival if this situation continues. Layoffs and bankruptcies are already being registered.

the fight against Corona

The fight against Corona also seems to be turning in Portugal: losers make us winners. It is expected that more space will be given by July at the latest. This will get domestic economic traffic going again and hopefully the damage can be recovered, but will the Portuguese also come back to the bed and breakfasts or will they lick their financial wounds? 

And access to Portugal by land, sea and air? What will international money flows do? Are the tourists coming this year and in what numbers? 

Elly & Gerard keep their spirits up and expect that guests will come to enjoy their beautiful B&B and garden. Today, as we speak, a start is made on the swimming pool, so that the water is heated up when the tourists return. Of course they also swim in it themselves, but it would be nice if that were for example together with you.

Anticiamento! Sincerely!