The U.S. has become one of Portugal’s fastest growing inbound tourist markets, with a 16.4 percent increase in overnight stays by American hotel guests last year.
The Portuguese Tourism Office is dedicating itself to educating the travel agent community about this emerging destination with a series of road shows entitled ‘Portugal Experience 2014,’ to be held in Boston, New York, Washington DC and Miami this spring. Attendees can learn first-hand why Portugal is a trendy, affordable and fast-growing travel destination with unique experiences.
The events are being organized in collaboration with Acclaim Meetings.
“American travelers are looking for two things – value for the dollar and the value of experiences,” says Jayme Simões, a tourism spokesperson. “Portugal is strong on both counts. The country’s mild, year-round climate, along with its historical attractions, new and classic museums and fresh wine regions make Portugal a memorable place for the American traveler to explore. Portugal has an amazing diversity of experiences for a country the size of Maine.”
The Portuguese Tourism Office has developed the ‘Portugal Experience’ in several countries and cities around the world, expanding from 25 to 36 events in 2014. The U.S. is one of the five countries that were included in this year’s series.
Travel agents can register for a trade show, followed by a reception, which will provide the opportunity to meet with a group of Portuguese hoteliers, airlines and tour operators.
All of the events run from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Space is limited to the first 125 agents who register for the following dates:
March 31 – Omni Parker House, Boston
April 1 – New York Hilton Midtown, New York City
April 2 – Omni Shoreham, Washington DC
April 3 – Conrad Hotel, Miami
Portuguese Tourism Office, www.regonline.com/portugalexperience