It has been in the making for some time; finally, the German Embassy I n Lisbon has appointed a new Honorary Consul, Sérgio Sousa. Mr. Sousa is Portuguese but grew up in Germany, so his German and the understanding of the respective mindset (these people, always so punctual!!) is perfect.
He is the manager of the local “Travel One” incoming agency, which looks after German speaking tourists for several tour operators on the island.
Many of us remember that the tour bus which tragically overturned, killing more than two dozen German tourists last year, had been hired by Travel One. Their agent had a terrible job that night in the hospital, trying to keep it together for the survivors and families who were searching for loved ones. At the time, we did not have a Consul, so the German Embassy must have perceived how important it is to have a German diplomatic representative in Madeira.
The consul is the go-to-person if a German tourist loses the ID and needs help to get back to Germany. He can provide assistance to those who need a ‘proof of life’ certificate for their insurance/pension company as well as other official documentation.
The Travel One office is in Rua do Amparo 26; and Mr Sousa will be there most mornings from 10 – 12h. Meetings can be arranged by appointment.
His contact: Tel. 291 707 280 or email: funchal@hk-diplo.de
Ursula M, Hahn
info at madeira-weekly.com
