TALKING SHOP
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Portugal FACTFILE
Size: Bigger than you might think! Portugal has seven regions, a huge coast- line plus interesting cultural and rural attractions. And don't forget its islands: Madeira and the Azores
Top two destinations: The Algarve is the top seller for sun, sand and golf, while city breaks to Lisbon and Porto also sell consistently well.
When to go: Spring (April to June) perfect everywhere; July-August stay by the sea, Lisbon prices are cheaper but it can be very hot; autumn is good for rural trips; in autumn and winter push the islands for winter sun
Flying times: Two and a half hours to Lisbon; one hour and 50 minutes to Oporto; three and a half to the islands
Average costs: A bottle of wine costs around 12-15 euros. Lisbon was rated the best city for value in the Post Offi ce's 2010 Barometer of Prices survey
Nightlife/entertainment: Lisbon has a thriving nightlife. Festivals happen year- round, many in June
Accommodation choices: Are huge. From character pousadas, boutique hotels, manor houses and luxury to fam- ily hotels and self catering
Learn more:
www.visitportugal.com
Think Portugal, think: Atlantic Holidays:
www.atlanticholidays.net Destination Portugal:
www.destination-portugal.co.uk Keytel: (for pousadas)
www.keytel.co.uk Pestana Hotels:
www.Pestana.com Sunvil:
www.Sunvil.co.uk TAP Air Portugal:
www.FlyTAP.com
Destination Dialogue
Destination Dialogue Portugal brought agents and key suppliers together. Those attending included the president of the Association of Tour Operators to Portugal, TAP Air Portugal, the National Tourist Offi ce of Portugal and Jose Preto da Silva, who fl ew in from Portugal to give a special presentation on the rural region of Alentejo. Share in the debate…
Portugal in context Portugal receives two million Brits a year. 2010 was a diffi cult year, due to all the well-known recessionary pressures and strengthening euro. The destination's year-round appeal and diversity of product have helped it maintain its profi le.
The challenges • Many Brits know Portugal for the Algarve, but the challenge is to get them to 'go further' and 'see more'. • Madeira is thought to be best suited for older clients. However, it does, in fact, have plenty to offer all clients. Hotels and facilities have been updated and modernised dramatically in recent years so it now has a far more contemporary feel and appeal. It doesn't have much in the way of beaches but the hotels are very family-friendly. • Pousadas – historical buildings, palaces and castles offering accommodation – are a great asset. There are over 40 pousadas across Portugal and they will appeal to those looking for something different.
The opportunities • Remember Lisbon is the capital and busy doing business in the week – accommodation is cheaper at weekends. • Target the luxury market by promoting pousadas: heritage properties often offering fi ve-star accommodation, good food, spa facilities and interesting history. These can be linked together for a really interesting self-drive tour. • Madeira generates strong repeat bookings – remind clients they don't have to travel six or seven hours to fi nd a tropical island. • Sell short breaks to the Azores. Here visitors can swim with dolphins, go whale watching and get back to nature in pristine lush landscapes. • Look beyond the Algarve for summer sales. Villas with pools are now widely available in stunning rural locations as well as by the sea. These rural locations often feel much more authentic and have a stronger Portugese feel. • Golfers love Portugal! If you are not an expert but your client is, contact a specialist Portugal tour operator - many have in depth knowledge of the courses
and can put together attractive deals to suit. And remember, TAP Air Portugal is a full-service airline that does not charge an additional fee for carrying golf clubs.
Getting there TAP Air Portugal is the scheduled carrier of Portugal and offers seven fl ights a day from Gatwick/Heathrow to Lisbon all year round. It works with operators to offer open jaw, nett packages. British Airways and a range of low-cost carriers also fl y to Portugal.
Getting around Portugal has a good motorway network and driving between key destinations is generally 'stress free' and easier than on public transport. Self-drive touring is popular and to be recommended. Newer motorways have opened up the interior of the country and helped encourage rural tourism. The drive from Lisbon to Oporto takes about two and a half hours. Domestic fl ights, intercity coach services and some longer distance train services will suit some independent travellers.
In conclusion Portugal has a lot more to offer than sun, sea, sand and golf. It is a big country with huge tourism potential. Agents who develop their knowledge of destinations beyond the Algarve have the potential to build strong bookings to the destination from profi table niche markets
46 Spring 2011 •
www.shortbreaksholidays.com
TURIHAB - SOLARES DE PORTUGAL
PAULO MAGALHAES
JOSE MANUEL
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