Seven travel agents who attended the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers conference last year have returned from a fam trip to the region promoted by Center of Portugal.
They earned their place on the trip after visiting the Visit Portugal stand during the conference in November and showing an interest in this region.
“The final selection was made about the answers they gave about what type of holidays they sell, and their interest in knowing more about the region,” said Alice Fonseca, product project manager at Visit Portugal UK.
The trip was organised by the Center of Portugal Region – which had been Visit Portugal’s guest at the Atas conference – while flights to Lisbon were supported by TAP Air Portugal.
The agents visited the coast between Obidos and Nazaré, as well as Tomar, which has a Unesco World Heritage Site at Convento de Cristo.
“The region is very diverse so the Center of Portugal prepared a fam to showcase the amazing beaches; surfing, for which the region is well known; water activities such as boats trips to see the dolphins; and the culture, food and wine,” said Fonseca.
“The agents also had a wine tasting in one of the oldest vineyards in Portugal, Quinta do Sanguinhal, and experienced some amazing hotels in the region, such as the Eco Hotel Rio do Prado near Obidos and Hotel Republica in Tomar.”
She said feedback from the agents has been “amazing”, with some saying that it was the best fam they have experienced.
“They managed to do so much but it wasn’t rushed,” said Fonseca, highlighting how the ‘slow travel’ trend in Portugal encourages travellers to enjoy their stay, relax and take time to appreciate the scenery and restaurants.
“Portugal is selling well, especially beach and family holidays and city breaks,” she added.
“This trip allowed the agents to feel more confident in selling other types of holidays and they will be pushing more for active and touring holidays in the Center of Portugal.”
Tina Tuckwell (Hays Travel) said: “Wow. It was the most organised and well-planned fam I have been on.
“We had so much to do and see but nothing was rushed.
“Getting through the airport was so quick and efficient.”
She enjoyed spotting bird life and dolphins and visiting the vineyard for wine tasting – but her favourite activity was the surf lesson.
“There is so much to do in this region for all ages, from the wonderful beaches to the fantastic tours around the countryside which you can do,” she added.
“I will be definitely look forward to going back and recommending my clients to visit such a wonderful place.”
