“AHETA and its Associates express deep regret at the passing of the founder and president of AHETA for 26 years, Elidérico Viegas”, expressed the association in a statement, highlighting the “legacy and dedication” of its former president during more than two decades at the head of the entity.

Elidérico Viegas' contribution to “the association and the community is immeasurable and will be remembered with affection and gratitude by everyone”, considered AHETA.

“The social bodies of AHETA express their enormous regret and deepest condolences to his family and friends”.

Founder of AHETA and president for 26 years, Elidérico Viegas left the leadership of the largest hotel association in the Algarve at the beginning of 2022, after losing the elections to the current president, Hélder Martins.

Elidérico Viegas had asked for dismissal from his position in March 2021, alleging a “lack of institutional solidarity” from the rest of the administration, after a controversial interview in which he discussed topics such as Covid-19 vaccination, difficulties in the sector, and lack of support for the region.

After attempting re-election and losing the AHETA elections to Hélder Martins, in January 2022, Elidérico Viegas left the position he had held since the creation of the association.