OVER 40 different countries will be promoting their tourism offers at the 17th edition of Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa (BTL), the Lisbon travel market, taking place at FIL, Parque das Nações, from January 18 to 22.
The offer of tourism destinations is growing and becoming more intense, therefore, promotion to consumers is also becoming more competitive. Over 50,000 visitors attend this annual event, the country’s largest tourism fair, providing tourism boards and private businesses with a place to engage new potential contacts, maintain existing business relations and become acquainted with the latest news and market trends.
It is also an interesting exhibition for the general public who, as well as being able to visit the myriad of stands and find out more about a range of destinations worldwide, can also take part in workshops and competitions and enjoy a programme of entertainment, from Egyptian belly dancing to traditional Portuguese music.
The range of exhibitors at BTL is very diverse and includes just about every possible business and service with a link to the travel industry. To give you an idea, exhibitors at last year’s event included a range of tourist accommodation, hotels and hotel services, airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, regional tourism organisations, leisure attractions, ecological tourism, Portuguese vineyards, tourism for seniors, services for the tourism industry such as technology, consulting, professional training, decoration, insurance and banking, congress space providers, translation services, caterers, audiovisual equipment, specialised travel press, to name just a few.
This year, Angola, Greece and the Czech Republic will join as official delegations and other newcomers to the event are Australia, Denmark, the US and Japan, which will be represented through tourism and travel agencies. Goa is also expected to take part for the first time, via an independent representative.
Once again, Brazil and Spain will be the countries with the largest exhibition area. Brazil will have the same exhibition area as 2004, with a total of 52 companies attending the exhibition, and Spain will increase its number of direct exhibitors including two new regions, Cáceres and Badajoz.
There really will be something for everyone, whether for professionals working in the trade or for consumers looking to gather ideas for their next holiday abroad.
BTL’s opening times:
January 18: Trade visitors, from 10am to 8pm
January 19/20: Trade visitors, from 2pm to 7pm. Trade visitors and general public, from 7pm to 11pm
January 21: Trade visitors and general public, from 2pm to 11pm
January 22: Trade visitors and general public, from 2pm to 8pm
Restaurants open everyday from noon to midnight
Entry prices:
Industry professionals: 10 euros
Public (single ticket): 3.50 euros
Public (ticket for four people): 11 euros
Youth/Senior/Student: 2 euros
• For further details about BTL, visit www.fil-btl.com. Information is available in English.
