Portugal 2005 June Newsletter

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. October 14, 2008

LISBON, Portugal, June 9, 2005.

PORTUGAL SAILS INTO PORTSMOUTH

The Sagres, Portugal's most famous navy training ship, will be arriving in Portsmouth this month in the build up to the 200th Battle of Trafalgar anniversary commemorations. Named after Prince Henry the Navigator's 15th Century College, Sagres' Portuguese captains launched the world's first great wave of expeditions, directing voyages that spurred the growth of Portugal's empire, which included the Azores and Madeira, amongst others. This great vessel will be travelling from Portugal to Portsmouth in June to celebrate Portugal's tremendous seafaring tradition. Members of the Association of Tour Operators to Portugal (ATOP) will attend an evening reception on board the ship following their General Meeting where they will discuss future joint marketing activity and develop strategies to increase visitor numbers to Portugal.

SHOPPERS ABLE TO TASTE THE FLAVOURS OF PORTUGAL AT HARRODS

The Portuguese National Tourist Office (PNTO) and the Portuguese Trade Office have teamed up with leading department store Harrods to bring the flavours of Portugal to UK shoppers. In a promotion that will run for two weeks from 6th June, visitors to the Harrods Food Hall will be able to let their taste buds travel as they sample a range of traditional Portuguese food and wines. Information on ATOP members will also be available for visitors who would like to experience the beauty of Portugal first hand.

NEW RYANAIR FLIGHT BOOSTS PORTO VISITOR NUMBERS

Figures recently released by the PNTO show that visitor numbers to Porto have increased significantly in the first quarter of 2005 with a growth of 81.4% year on year. This equates to over 61,000 UK holidaymakers having flown into the city over the January to April period. The rise in visitors to Portugal's second city can be attributed partly to the new no-frills Ryanair service from London Stansted to Porto that launched on 19th January 2005 which, coupled with the services already available with TAP and GB Airways, has greatly increased airline capacity to the city. However, interest in Porto has greatly increased over the last 12 months as a result of the large amount of media coverage that Porto received during the Euro 2004 football championships that took place in Portugal last year. With the summer season around the corner, this trend is set to continue as more holidaymakers choose to experience the delights of northern Portugal. For further information on Porto visit www.visitportugal.com

THE AZORES BECOME A HOLIDAY HOTSPOT

The beautiful islands of the Azores, located 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, boast stunning volcanic scenery, a breathtaking coastline and some of the best whale and dolphin watching possibilities in Europe. As such, it is no surprise that the Azores are set to become one of the holiday hotspots for 2005. Indeed, with the number of bed nights sold to UK holidaymakers having increased by an average of 136% year on year from January to March, it is clear increasing numbers of visitors are being enchanted by the islands charms. Furthermore, with the new and direct SATA International flight from London Gatwick to the Azores having commenced services on 5th April this year, the number of UK visitors to the islands is set to continue to rise over the coming months. For further information on the Azores visit www.visitportugal.com

LISBON'S ONLY ART DECO HOTEL REOPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC

Hotel Britania, Lisbon's only surviving Art Deco Hotel, reopened its doors to the public at the end of May following a complete renovation and modernisation programme. With the original building designed by the famous Portuguese architect Cassiano Branco, the hotel has maintained many of its period features whilst ensuring that guests receive all the comfort and modern facilities that one would expect from a world-class hotel. The original ambience has also been carefully restored, with the design in the 30 bedrooms continuing to focus on the traditional 1940's style. For further information visit www.heritage.pt

ALGARVE PROMOTIONAL BUREAU LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE

With long golden sandy beaches, excellent hotels and a wide range of leisure facilities, it is no surprise that the Algarve is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations. Potential visitors can now sample the Algarve from the comfort of their own homes by visiting the region's new website. Designed to give visitors a taste of what the region has to offer the new website, www.visitalgarve.pt, not only provides travellers with up to date and essential travel information but also details the range of activities available, outlines all the special events taking place in the region and even contains a guide to accommodation. A veritable mine of information, www.visitalgarve.pt is an essential one stop shop for anyone planning a trip to the Algarve. For further information visit www.visitalgarve.pt.

THE LAKE RESORT SET TO FURTHER ENHANCE VILAMOURA'S FIRST CLASS HOTEL SCENE

The Lake Resort, the latest addition to Vilamoura's impressive hotel scene, is due to open in October 2005 bringing yet another world-class hotel to Portugal's shores. Surrounded by six excellent golf courses and with a further 20 easily accessible by car, The Lake Resort boasts an excellent location in the centre of Vilamoura. Offering the ultimate in sophistication, this 5* resort has 95 apartments, 195 hotel rooms, four restaurants, three bars, a spa and fitness centre, two outdoor pools and even its own private lake! Best of all, with the host of flight connections available, the paradise that is The Lake Resort is now only approximately three hours by air from the UK.