International, Portugal & Madeira News from Paul Abbiati:
From Peter in the comments section. Thanks Peter for all your contributions.
Armas to end ferry operation between Portimao and Funchal
from the dnoticias.pt…. Naviera ” .. The Naviera Armas this morning sent an information to its largest customers in Madeira announcing the end of its operations between this and southern autonomous region of Portugal. “Unless unforeseen last-minute changes, Naviera Armas place next weekend, last week his regular travel-Funchal-Funchal Portimao,” says the note sent by e-mail and signed by the director of online Javier Garcia. As the diaries reveal about two weeks, the company canarian was to examine the continuity of the line due to a number of difficulties in the operation. The note sent to clients does not reveal whether this abandonment includes the links between Madeira and the Canarie.”
Extra flights to Madeira in 2012 including Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff
From Easy Voyage:
“Atlantic Holidays has announced that it is to add several new flights to its Madeira schedule between May and October of this year. Currently flying to the island from a handful of major city airports, the company will add a total of 17 new flights from 10 new airports around the country, including Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff.
This year there will be an additional flight from the Northern Irish capital. Dino Toouli of Atlantic Holidays commented: “Having successfully operated a series of flights to Madeira from Belfast International in 2011, we had originally planned to operate 3 flights during 2012, however due to a strong demand for our holidays, we are delighted to have this opportunity to increase the programme by adding an additional departure on 9th July.”
link: http://www.easyvoyage.co.uk/travel-headlines/atlantic-add-extra-madeira-flights-for-2012-7049
Ponta do Pargo Golf Course
Article on future of Golf Course Development at Ponta do Pargo
http://www.dnoticias.pt/impressa/diario/303661/economia/303769-buracos-financeiros-entalam-campo-de-golfe
images from Diario Newspaper unless otherwise stated
Santana Madeira UNESCO biosphere reserve
“This new biosphere reserve is the first in the Madeira Archipelago. The site features a rich fauna and flora that incorporates a high degree of endemism.
Declaration Date: 2011
Surface Area: 15.218,04
Core area(s): 5.884,05; marine 1.708,45; terrestrial 4.175,60
Buffer zone(s): 707,67; marine 109,68; terrestrial 597,99
Transition area(s): 8.626,32; marine 3.845,93; terrestrial 4.780,39
Administrative authorities: Santana City Council
Latitude: 32º 46’ N; Longitude: 16º 54’ W
Ecological Characteristics
Madeira Island is characterized by having very steep relief and the coastal area is almost entirely composed of steep sea cliffs and some cliff deposits as a result of the retreat of the cliffs due to oceanic abrasion. In the center of the island there is a mountain massif composed of several mountains with altitudes above 1600 m, cut by numerous basaltic dykes and veins. In the eastern part of the massif, there is an extensive plateau with an average altitude of 1550 meters. The link between coastal and central mountain massif is made up of several hills and valleys, resulting from the water weathering of bedrock. This geomorphological complexity results in a huge set of heterogeneous bio-climatic characteristics that create conditions for the existence of a wide diversity of native climatophylous broadleaf vegetation and unique habitats, especially the Macaronesian coasts with endemic vegetation, the Mediterranean laurel forest of the Canary laurel, the temperate laurel forest of the Madeira laurel and high-altitude heathlands.
The proposed Biosphere Reserve corresponds to the entire onshore area of the municipality of Santana, and includes the adjacent marine area to the isobath of 200 m of depth.
The total resident population in the area of the proposed Biosphere Reserve is of 8591 inhabitants, of which 99% live in the transition zone, 1% in the buffer zone and 0% in core areas.
The core zones are Sites of Community Interest, which integrate Natura 2000 areas and the buffer zones correspond to ruled usage areas through various planning and management instruments. The transition zones consist mainly of rural land, urban and public and private plots, with rules for its use imposed by activities management plans…”
Portuguese shoemaking: record year in 2011 on strong exports
From AFP
“Portuguese shoemaking, one of the oldest and most traditional industries, had a record year in 2011 on strong exports…”
“The shoemaker companies, which sell nearly all their production overseas, registered 17 percent growth last year, according to industry group APICCAPS. For the nine months to September 2011, sales totalled 1.23 billion euros ($1.6 billion), “nearly as much in all of 2010,” it said. Exports continue to drive growth, with 95 percent of output going to some 130 countries, especially in northern Europe where Portuguese footwear has established markets under a slew of eye-catching brands.”
eye-catching brands include Dkode
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxXp7XrNQGc
eye-catching brands: Dkode, Nobrand, Camport, Eject, Mack James, Softwaves, Fly London
the names are all chosen to have an Anglo-Saxon ring to them so they stand out in a very competitive market.
Kyaia: Fly London
Kyaia, which markets its Fly London brand worldwide, posted sales of 50 million euros and employs over 500 people in a Portugal
Unlike the textile industry, which has suffered badly from the economic slowdown and cheaper products made in Asia and other emerging markets, ‘Made in Portugal’ shoes have held up well, fighting alongside their Spanish and Italian rivals to hold on to market share.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jN9c40kqvA1JvsAwfolbq_SihZzg?docId=CNG.824a621c929a5f56a7df7a6dcb72eff2.1b1
President explains pension gaffe
From Portugal Daily View:
Correio da Manhã Newspaper
‘Cavaco Silva explains pension gaffe’, says Correio da Manhã, as the Portuguese president prepares to meet Bank of Portugal governor Carlos Costa to discuss pension controversy. The newspaper’s report comes after the outcry following president Cavaco Silva’s statements, who said that his monthly teacher pension worth €1,300 plus the pension he receives from the Bank of Portugal would not be enough to cover all his expenses.
Art lovers flock to Lisbon
Article title: Art lovers flock to the eurozone’s crisis capitals
Lisbon profiting from an influx of cultural tourists attracted by the warm climate, political stability, low crime rates and competitive prices
From the FT:
“Lisbon… is also profiting from an influx of cultural tourists attracted by the warm climate, political stability, low crime rates and competitive prices…
Visitors from Europe and the US basked in warm sunshine on Friday as they enjoyed views of Lisbon and the Tagus river from the battlements of São Jorge’s Castle, the city’s most popular tourist attraction.
Cilla Lundberg, from Innsbruck, Austria, said that to find a “politically safe” country to visit had been an important consideration when she looked online for a warm holiday destination.
Lisbon ranks second after Amsterdam as the European capital with both the biggest growth in overnight stays during the past five years and the most overnight stays relative to the number of inhabitants
image of the Museu do Chiado art museum
According to consultants Roland Berger Strategy, Lisbon ranks second after Amsterdam as the European capital with both the biggest growth in overnight stays during the past five years and the most overnight stays relative to the number of inhabitants – 6.2m in 2010 for a population of about 1m.
Number of foreign visitors to Lisbon increased by 9.1 per cent during the first 10 months of 2011 compared with the same period the previous year
While the Portuguese economy is estimated to have contracted 1.6 per cent in 2011 and is expected to shrink 3.1 per cent this year – the country’s worst recession in half a century – the number of foreign visitors to Lisbon increased by 9.1 per cent during the first 10 months of 2011 compared with the same period the previous year.
The Jerónimos Monastery, another leading attraction, and the Museu do Chiado art museum have registered increases in visitor numbers of 7.4 per cent and 26.1 per cent during a similar period..”
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1ddce9cc-4379-11e1-8489-00144feab49a.html#axzz1k6L7yk27
Prazeres art exhibition, Madeira
The Galeria dos Prazeres presents an exhibition of the artista plástico madeirense Rui Carvalho until 26 de Fevereiro.
link to Galeria dos Prazeres:
‘Mysteries of Lisbon’ film wins another international award
from the Guardian:
“The Toronto Film Critics Association, Canada’s largest association of film
critics, awarded director Raul Ruiz’s masterpiece “Mysteries of Lisbon,” as
Best Foreign Film for 2011 alongside Terrence Malik’s “Tree of Life” awarded
for Best Director and Best Film. Currently chaired by film critic Brian
Johnson of the prestigious magazine “Maclean,” the Toronto Film Critics
Association”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/dec/08/mysteries-of-lisbon-film-review
Levada Walk: Levada do Moinho na Lombada da Ponta do Sol
link to article: http://www.dnoticias.pt/impressa/revista/302827/302993-passeio-a-pe-na-luta-pela-agua
All images from Diario Newspaper unless otherwise stated
from the dnoticias.pt…. Naviera Armas leaves Madeira line-Portimão .. The Naviera Armas this morning sent an information to its largest customers in Madeira announcing the end of its operations between this and southern autonomous region of Portugal. “Unless unforeseen last-minute changes, Naviera Armas place next weekend, last week his regular travel-Funchal-Funchal Portimao,” says the note sent by e-mail and signed by the director of online Javier Garcia. As the diaries reveal about two weeks, the company canarian was to examine the continuity of the line due to a number of difficulties in the operation. The note sent to clients does not reveal whether this abandonment includes the links between Madeira and the Canarie
cant believe it, the island is sinking fast………..
Martin will have to go this weekend…..
Peter posted the breaking news thanks
Tobi Yes I agree with you with Martin. He be catching the connection with the Circus. The round the island race cars will this year have to find other connections to the island.
From the dnoticias.pt . Student Conception says unaware intention of Naviera Armas…The Regional Secretary for Culture, Tourism and Transport, Student Conception, today denied having any advanced knowledge of the news daily, the Naviera Armas will abandon the line-Funchal Portimao. On the sidelines of the ceremony, for family, the collection of arms of Madeira General Bethencourt Rodrigues the Military Museum, housed in the Palace of St. Lawrence, the minister just said “not sure” about this subject.
“I will not comment on a story that I did not confirm because I have no information, nor I (Secretary), nor APRAM in relation to any company for the weapons. So I will not say anything, because as for me, for now , this news does not exist
Perhaps they should play poker? Bluff?
We’ll see. but not good news in any event.
More behind the scenes methinks.
Money?
Martin, is your MG a la James Bond – aquatic?
from the dnoticias.pt Mobilization in favor of Naviera Armas is on the march…The mobilization begins to take shape. In social networks and comments to the news of the JOURNAL are many locals who call for collective outrage so that next Saturday or next Monday there are demonstrations in support of Naviera Armas Spanish operator who admits leaving the line Wood-Portimão .
“Let’s fill the Pontinha for a big farewell to Naviera Armas.” “All the dots”. “Do not let the weapons out of line.” These are some of the challenges for the public to address the Madeiran port of Funchal in the last trips of Volcán on Saturday morning and Monday afternoon. “Do not let go unchallenged the disaster that means the end of this line and show an appreciation on the spot all that the ship made for us. Be original and certainly the black will mark this date in the annals of the history of RAM,” says the Weapons page on Facebook a lot of people upset.
.
from the euro news…Portugal’s president complains about his pension cut….Protesters gathered outside Portugal’s presidential palace to donate money and food to the head of state after he complained about a drop in his pension due to the government’s austerity measures.
His remarks sparked a storm of protest.
Thousands have signed a petition calling for President Anibal Cavaco Silva to resign, bearing in mind the majority of Portugal’s elderly exist only a fraction of their president’s income.
Its author, Nuno Luís Marreiros was pragmatic about what it would achieve:
“ If the petition has no other impact, maybe it will at least show to our politicians that the Portuguese are beginning to protest a bit more and to make their opinions known,” he said.
Cavaco Silva’s FaceBook page was also targeted. With a declared income of 10,000 euros a month as well as investments, an average Portuguese has to survive on only 900 euros.
Cartoonists have had a field day over his remarks but the president has apologised admitting he expressed himself badly.
Eventually the rumours we had heard both from the booking clerk lady at the port and facebook entries that February sailings would not take place were confirmed.
The lady, recently employed, learnt of the line’s total cancellation of the service at 9pm on tuesday.
Mad panic by us in the MG to get a reservation and depart this saturday instead of 2 months hence in March or even April.
We wondered why we could not book a return ticket in October 2011. It was said at the time they were unsure of sailing times and capacity–Dont worry -sailings will continue.
I gather there are Madeiran shippers who are angry that Naviera Armas can do the job cheaply and are not in the Madeiran Mafia of closed shop operations.
These people have I assume made it difficult for an efficient firm to operate as they want their huge profits unchallenged.
The rules of competition and fair play DO NOT operate here of course.
As it is we have lost the money we have prepaid for accomodation
EU directives are ignored and the EU does nothing to break these financial strangeholds.
I think Naviera Armas could have had a better public dialogue with their customers. I hope everybody has heard of the situation.
So its back to shipping vehicles on top of the cargo regular ships via crane or 500 quids worth of container from Porto.
What a dammed shame and it reflects badly on the President of Madeira to have allowed this to happen.
The tourist trade and costs of cargo will be badly affected.
Or am I wrong?
from the dnoticias.pt CDS secretary wants to hear about the end of the operation of the ARMS……The parliamentary group of the CDS-PP delivered in the Legislative Assembly a request for hearing parlamantar the Regional Secretary for Culture, Tourism and Transport, on the end of the operation of Naviera Armas in the region. Conception student should provide clarification on the reasons that led to the end of the connection-Portimao Funchal, guaranteed by the shipowner Spanish.
Lino says that Abreu is not acceptable that “at a time when families are suffering, when budgets are shrinking, when VAT will increase to 6% on April 1,” is announced that the sea link with the continent loses an operator, which will have implications on the prices of some products.
“We want to know the amount of fees charged with the weapons and the Sea Wolf,” the deputy said that the CDS be time to end “the monopoly on transportation.”
The CDS-PP also wants to see clarified the conditions for the logistical operation required to Naviera Armas as opposed to those that are required to other operators. At the request of the parliamentary hearing, the Commission will eviado Especialziada of Economics, Finance and Tourism, it is recalled that the shipping line between Funchal and Portimao no charge for the region and contributed to give more options for travel to Madeira, for the entry of tourists from mainland Portugal and southern Spain and the low freight cost to transport goods and vehicles.
The links that Peter refers to in connection with the closure of the ferry are as follows:
http://www.dnoticias.pt/actualidade/politica/304024-ps-pede-inquerito-a-saida-da-naviera-armas-da-madeira
http://www.dnoticias.pt/actualidade/madeira/304047-peticao-para-manter-armas-na-linha-da-madeira-ja-foi-criada
Thanks for your hard work on this story Peter!!
Martin One thing this recession has proved. How bad politics is around the western world, too many politicians going to other countries and pinching their ideas. Also and not doing their job right or advice badly. They should been isolated countries done their home work right and this recession should proved. Think they need to look at the word Government and Govern, then the gravy train wasting tax payers money. If you run your home like the Governments you be bust and broke.
Peter you are correct I agree
Thank you Admin for putting the links with the Petition to Keep boat line “weapons” Portimao-Madeira and Madeira-Portimão as well.
From this is money…Britain’s insurers double premiums for older travellers in past year…A Money Mail investigation has revealed how Britain’s insurers have doubled premiums for older travellers in the past year.
Some of the best-known High Street names are charging hundreds of pounds more for travel cover for those aged over 65. In some cases, the cost of an annual policy has risen from £163 to £361.
Experts fear the hike in premiums will leave many elderly people exposed to holiday disasters as the cost deters them from taking cover.
Michelle Mitchell, charity director of Age UK, says: ‘These figures confirm our worst fears that older people will be forced to risk travelling without protection or forgo holidays abroad altogether because they can’t afford insurance.’
And there are concerns many firms simply don’t want to insure the elderly — who are more likely to have health problems while abroad.
James Daley, editor of Which? Money says: ‘Insurers cannot say it is because of older people’s deteriorating health, as many people are much healthier than they were before, so these increases are hard to justify.
Travel insurers are desperate to claw back money paid out after a string of natural catastrophes, such as ash clouds, earthquakes, and flooding, and political turmoil in North Africa.
Every year Money Mail receives hundreds of letters from travellers whose holidays have ended in chaos.
Our investigation has revealed how, in the past year, insurers have been quietly putting up premiums and tightening up on the areas for which they will pay out.
Younger people are also seeing some increase in costs, but typically of less than 9 per cent.
Direct Travel, usually one of the best-value insurers, revamped its policies to tailor them to a holidaymaker’s age.
Older travellers now no longer have their own Senior Cover, but can take out any of its policies available to all ages.
The effect is that a couple aged 66 and 65 going on a two-week cruise would see premiums soar from £202 last year to £365 this January on its Premier Plus policy, an 80 per cent increase. Annual cover has rocketed from £163 to £361, a staggering 121 per cent.
The firm has also altered its small print. For example, travellers can no longer expect a refund of their holiday costs if they cancel or cut short their trip because of the illness or injury of a brother-in-law or sister-in-law, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew or cousin.
It has also stopped covering sunglasses and prescription glasses under its policy so won’t pay out if they are lost or stolen.
A spokesman for Direct Travel says: ‘The changes reflect the increasing claims costs we have experienced.
‘Our objective is to ensure that policyholders pay a premium that is commensurate with the likelihood of a claim and the risks they face.’
Although its changes are the most radical, Direct Travel is not alone.
Esure has hiked annual travel premiums for older travellers by two thirds, from £157 to £261.
Endsleigh has increased premiums for older travellers by almost 50 per cent since last year, with annual worldwide cover soaring to £173 a year from £117.
Swiftcover, owned by AXA, has increased its annual travel insurance cost by 10 per cent for all travellers.
It means a family of four wanting European annual cover would now pay £83, up from £76 a year. Tesco has hiked its annual cover costs by an average 15 per cent. And
Britain’s biggest insurer, Aviva, has increased the cost of cover for an older couple going on a cruise by 26 per cent from £53 to £67, while Direct Line’s rise is 19 per cent from £91 to £108.
The AA has hiked annual policy premiums for all by as much as 17 per cent, and has also added a £250 excess for people wanting to claim on the personal liability section of their policy.
Columbus charges older people 18 per cent more for annual cover, while an annual family policy costs 20 per cent less than last year.
Virgin Money, while not putting up premiums, has increased the minimum time you need to be delayed before you can claim from 12 hours to 24.
It has also ‘clarified’ its small print to confirm it will not pay out for natural disasters or civil unrest.
what a price rise.
No piont in insuring for holiday sickness.
Take the risk in the EU area and dont ski
Sorry Martin – not fair on you, your purse, your spouse or your house (costs).
Be independant? Plan ahead? Be different? Then get shafted. Fair Trade? Freedom of movement within the E.U.? Nope, never – unless of course you are a highly paid politician attending dozens of “crisis” meetings europ/world wide…….with free travel (not on a Ferry) free five 5* Hotels, free gourmet food and drink AND the best bit? You, my dears, are paying!
Martin, you and your wife, as independant, spirited and young at heart travellers, have my utmost sympathy.
Martin – I think that under the circumstances, your landlord/landlady should refund your accommodation costs, as it is not your fault you are having to leave early!
Some time ago, we had four guests booked in for x2 weeks but they were unable to get here, due to the ash cloud. As the situation was not of their making, we did not charge them. Subsequently, as we had been considerate and understanding, they rebooked with us for the following year. They had a great x2 weeks (and were lovely people) and now intend to return again this year! Good for them, good for us…..
Perhaps your landlord/lady could be persuaded to follow suit? Good business ethic, good PR and just plain ole’ being nice – something sorely needed in todays world!
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naviera_Armas
2008 – 2012
http://estatistica.gov-madeira.pt/index.php/en/download-now-3/economic/contaseconomicas-gb/contaseconomicas-cr-gb/contaseconomicas-cr-noticias-gb/386-18-12-2014-in-2013-the-gdp-of-the-autonomous-region-of-madeira-stood-at-4-070-8-million-euros-according-to-the-new-series-of-the-national-and-regional-accounts
GDP 2012 4,811.5 million euros
GDP 2013 4,070.8 million euros
A drop of around 741 million euros, could this be connected with the cancelled ferry service?
That drop is equivalent to 2,964 euros for every one of the 250,000 people on Madeira.
The ferry has to be brought back without question as it benefits Madeira’s economy as shown in the official statistics.
Just managed to track down the official stats 🙂
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B767S2QYbbtZNjdZUFhLV2JwOTQ/view?pref=2&pli=1