By: ELOISE WALTON
SIX CÂMARAS from the Algarve and the Regional Tourism Board (RTA) were represented at Portugal’s largest tourism fair in Lisbon.
Loulé, Albufeira, Monchique, Olhão, Portimão and Faro Câmaras all had stands at the fair, offering information about their areas to visitors as well as promotional gifts, liquors and sweets.
The Algarve’s Regional Tourism Board also had a large stand which included a relaxation area for visitors to indulge in a 10 minute massage as well as a café area. A reception desk offered written information about the region with staff on hand to interact with visitors and encourage them to visit the Algarve.
A spokesman from the RTA told The Resident: “We were very pleased with our stand and attracted many visitors throughout the fair. The Algarve region has a lot to offer visitors, and its Câmaras and businesses were well represented here this year.”
A stand representing tourism-based businesses in the eastern Algarve region was also present at the fair, providing visitors with informative brochures on hotels and golf resorts based in the area, such as Pedras d’el Rei resort in Tavira, the Guadiana Manor House in Alcoutim, and Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club.
20th anniversary
The Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa (BTL), which is the country’s largest tourism fair and was staged at the exhibition centre in Parque das Nações, celebrated 20 years this year with a total of 771 exhibitors from across Portugal and the world. It opened on Wednesday and closed on Sunday.
Stands were spread throughout four large pavilions, with exhibitors grouped in broad categories. The first contained all of the Portuguese destinations, including the regional Câmaras, while the second pavilion included suppliers, entertainment and accommodation.
Pavilion three was home to transport and international stands while the final pavilion included many stands representing services, equipment and Portuguese gastronomy.
“This year we have around 50 international stands, including three new countries, Slovenia, Japan and Uruguay,” said Vitor Neto, the president of BTL’s organisation commission.
“We must not forget, however, the international destinations that have been represented here since the very first fair, namely Spain, Morocco and Macau.”
Entertainment and activities were organised to take place throughout the five days of the fair, including seminars and workshops. However, there was a general feeling among the public that there was not enough interaction between the individual exhibitors and the visitors.
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