Portugal Tourism News
Portugal recognised by World Travel Awards
The Algarve has received a prestigious accolade recognising the region’s beach product as the best in Europe at the World Travel Awards ceremony in Antalya, Turkey. This year the Algarve was awarded the title of ‘Europe’s Leading Beach Destination’ for the second year running, while Portugal took the title of ‘Europe’s Leading Golf Destination’, with voters citing the wonderful golf infrastructure in the Algarve as a contributing factor.
Lisbon selects Hume Whitehead for UK role
Turismo de Lisboa, the tourism body responsible for promoting the Portuguese capital, has appointed Hume Whitehead to handle its public relations activity in the UK following a competitive pitch. The agency will be responsible for raising the profile of Lisbon as a “must see” European city and highlighting the diversity of its attractions.
Portugal sells airport operator ANA to Vinci
Portugal is set to beat privatisation revenue goals by selling domestic airport operator ANA to French construction firm Vinci. The deal, reportedly worth €3 billion, will set a world record for such transactions, according to the Portuguese government.
Golden affair for Portugal at World Travel Awards
The annual World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony, hosted at the new Conrad Algarve, turned into a golden affair for Portugal earlier, with the destination picking up seven awards. The Algarve region, the golfing industry and five specific hotels were among the winners at the prestigious event.
British holidaymakers drown in Portugal
Two British holidaymakers, a five-year old girl and her 66 year old grandfather, have drowned on a beach in Portugal after being pulled into the sea by a large wave.
Elvas added to UNESCO World Heritage list
A small Portuguese city has been declared a new UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing the total in the country to 13. The garrison border town of Elvas and its fortifications were added by the World Heritage Committee due to it being an “outstanding example of a garrison town and its dry-ditched bulwarked defence system, which developed in response to disruptions in the balance of power within 17th century Europe”.
Lisbon up for top honours at World Travel Awards
Lisbon, one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan and fascinating cities, has been nominated in four categories at the 19th annual World Travel Awards, due to take place this October. The Portuguese capital has been nominated for awards in the following categories: Europe’s Leading Destination, Europe’s Leading City Break Destination, Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination and Europe’s Leading Cruise Port.
European economy spells great deals for US travelers
Portugal - As the winter season sets in and U.S. vacationers look for a warmer adventure on a budget; Portugal offers an affordable, and exciting destination.
Are the Portuguese embracing the ‘staycation’ phenomenon?
The term ‘staycation’ may have been applied more liberally to people from the UK opting to stay and holiday at home, rather than head off to foreign climes, but it’s not solely a UK phenomenon it seems. A revealing report from the Portuguese National Statistics Institute (INE), showed that in comparison to 2010, residents of Portugal have travelled significantly less.
Uncovering the hidden Algarve
A new initiative from Vila Vita Parc will allow the resort’s guests to discover the real Algarve with a range of authentic experiences covering the history, culture, landscape, natural beauty, traditions, art, crafts and gastronomy of the region.
Disruption sweeps Portugal as strike begins
Road, rail and air traffic has been severely disrupted in Portugal as workers walk out on strike over a proposed austerity budget. Members of the UGT and CGTP trade unions have joined the industrial action, which is expected to last for 24-hours.
Algarve launches spa week promotion in October
Ten of the highest quality 5-star hotel spas in the Algarve are offering a special Spa Week promotion from 2nd – 9th October.