The British-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) is hosting a guided tour and lunch aboard the luxury cruise ship MSC Opera on September 19. With the departure taking place from the Alcântara dock in Lisbon, the trip will last from 10.45am to 3pm.
The luxury cruise industry has become increasingly important to the national tourism sector, generating about €200 million in 2011. The Port of Lisbon grew the most last year – about 4% –receiving over half a million tourists, each spending an average €118 during their stay in Lisbon.
In recognition the growing importance of this sector and Portugal’s success in establishing itself as an attractive stop-over for cruise liners, the newly appointed Minister of Economy, António Pires de Lima, recently announced considerable investments in the ports of Portimão (€10 million) and Faro (€4 million), allowing for the development of infrastructures that will enable the industry’s growth throughout the country.
With a fleet of a dozen luxury cruise liners, MSC Cruises is one of the major operators in this sector. Through their generous sponsorship, the BPCC is offering its members an opportunity to sample the sheer opulence of first class cruising with a guided tour and lunch aboard MSC Opera.
MSC Opera features the company’s hallmark Italian style décor and the fusion of old-fashioned elegance together with the best of modern home comforts, which makes it one of the most welcoming liners of the MSC fleet.
Invitations are strictly limited to two people per member company. All applications must be received before September 12; requests received after that date shall not be considered.
