Though the UK remains Portugal’s number one market overall, British visitors have been slower than others to take up city breaks to the capital.
Portugese Trade and Tourismhead Mario Ferreira said: “In Lisbon, the UK market is only the sixth largest in terms of numbers. There’s no reason for this. The British also take weekend and short breaks, they do conference and incentive travel. They can be significantly more important for this market than they are today,”he added.
On its current form though, Lisbon looks set to achieve increasing popularity among British visitors.
Bridge Travel cities brand manager Gary Grieve noted that since offering the city in 1997, it has seen visitor levels double each year.
“Ironically, the Expo in 1998 didn’t boost figures as much as everyone hoped, but the knock-on effect has been brilliant. Last year was fabulous for us and 2000 looks even better. It’s now one of our top ten destinations out of more than 50 cities,” he added.
The Expo certainly gave the city the publicity it needed, as well as practical improvements such the underground extension. And with the introduction of Go’s £90 return fare to Lisbon, operators have seen a sharp uptake in accommodation-only packages.
“We make as much from this market as we can,” said Grieve.
“And agents can benefit from selling accommodation-only as they earn full commission from us. Often low-cost flights can mean lost business.
“Agents should sell Lisbon on its friendly atmosphere, its manageable size and its competitive pricing,” he added.
Bridge Travel’s lead-in price for two nights’ bed and breakfast at the three-star Executive Inn is £237.
Magic Travel project manager for Spain and Portugal Sean Lowe also note that the Go route has brought a raft of new visitors to the city.
“Young professionals are booking an increasing number of accommodation-only packages to Lisbon, either in conjunction with a business trip or with a budget airline,” he said.
Also common, said Lowe, are bookings for the city as an add-on to a break on the Lisbon coast. Accommodation-only prices range from £34 for bed and breakfast at the three-star Hotel Rex, to £98 at the five-star Lapa Palace.
“Lisbon is a superb city with a relaxed Mediterranean feel. Ten years ago you wouldn’t have dreamed of walking along the dockside – but now it’s been redeveloped with a host of bars and restaurants,” said Lowe.
Magic is also wooing clients to the city with a free Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness guide for transport-inclusive breaks. Clients hiring a car are also provided with a Michelin map.
Mundi Color consultant Tony Maniscalco said it was these extras which encourage repeat clients. Mundi clients receive an AA Essential Guide as well as a 24hr city card which allows free entry into museums and famous sites.
l Where are they? the Azores are nine islands in the mid Atlantic, 740 miles to the west of the Portuguese mainland. Split into three groups – Sau Miguel and Santa Maria in the southeast; Terceira, Graciosa, Sau Jorge, Pico and Faial in the centre; and Flores and Corvo in the northeast – the islands are still relatively inaccessible, with all flights operated via Lisbon.
l Why go there? the Azores aren’t the windswept and desolate isles most people expect. Volcanic in origin, the climate is mild and the scenery is stunning. A variety of flora and fauna attracts naturalists, as does the ocean wildlife – particularly the whales and dolphins.
l Who goes there? “We send between 4,000-5,000 people to the Azores annually. Activities include walking, biking, diving, whale-watching and swimming with dolphins,” said Sunvil product manager Rosana Malaragni.
“Our clients are too varied to classify. They range from international yachtsmen who use the islands as a stop off point, to older couples looking for a winter break,” said Extra Holidays managing director Philip Gill.
l Sample product: tailor-made itineraries are common. Extra Holidays estimates that in 2000, around 50% of Azorean holidays will be booked in conjunction with a city break in Lisbon. Extra is offering the Azores for the first time this year. Gill said he expects fly-drives to be popular. Leading in at £799, a seven-night package includes bed-and-breakfast accommodation at two, four and five-star hotels, and car hire. If looking for killer whales sounds enjoyable rather than terrifying, then seven-night whale- watching packages on Pico will appeal. The lead-in price of £694 includes flights and transfers, bed-and-breakfast accommodation and six, 4hr whale-watching trips.