Q. DĒ Mariana, what is your official title and role at Rocha Brava?
R. I am one of the shareholders of Bravirocha (The management company) and as managing director I am responsible for managing the resort.

Q. How long have you been associated with the resort?
R. I have worked in the resort since the first day that Trafalgar started developing the site, 22 years ago.

Q. How many houses and beds do you have here?
R. The resort comprises 410 houses of various types, making a total of 2,092 beds.

Q. Presumably you have a number of permanent staff and then an increase with temporary staff in summer but roughly how many people does it take to keep the whole thing going in summer?
R Most of our staff is permanent. In Summer we recruit a number of maids to cover the extra work. The average number is 75.

Q. Are you originally from the Algarve or like me an "import"?!
R. I was born in Algarve, having been away just to study.

Q. I recall the beginnings of Rocha Brava when it was started by Robbie Bachmann and Comben Homes over 20 years ago. It was one of the first tourist resorts in Carvoeiro. Do you feel you have achieved what they set out to do?
R. I believe we fully achieved what Trafalgar planned for this site, a good quality resort where both owners and tourists find a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.

Q. The resort is of tremendous economic importance to Lagoa in general and Carvoeiro in particular. Have you had support from the local authorities in achieving your aims and do you have much contact with them?
R. I keep regular contact with the local Council of Lagoa, having developed a healthy relationship over the years. Unfortunately they suffer of similar problems to other official bodies, lack of funds and excess of beaurocracy.

Q. Do you think that the Algarve generally and Rocha Brava in particular gives the tourist value for money?
R. I believe that the Algarve generally and Rocha Brava in particular gives the tourist very good value for money.

Q. The BIG question! What do you think the Algarve lacks to attract more or perhaps better quality tourism?
R. To attract better quality tourism we need better infrastructures, better health service, more cultural events, more investment on our historical and architectural patrimony.

Q. How do you see tourism in 2003 compared with previous years?
R. I feel reasonably confident about tourism this year, although the recession in Germany continues affecting us. Rocha Brava has a very high reputation and we benefit from a number of repeated clients, however we have to bear in mind the political uncertainty over the world.

Q. Tell me one thing you hate about the Algarve - be truthful!
R. One thing I hate about the Algarve is the lack of civism on the roads and on the beaches.

Q. Do you have time for any hobbies and if so what are they?
R. My favourite hobby is reading and if I have spare time I like gardening.

Q. What is the future for Rocha Brava? Any special plans?
R. Our plan for Rocha Brava is to continue maintaining the standards and improve whenever possible.

Thank you for the trouble of answering these questions and is there any last message you want to give the readers of Carvoeiro.com Newsletter?
Last message? Rocha Brava is proud of its professional team and we look forward to welcome many visitors this year and help make their holiday a very pleasant one.