Internal company conventions, professional congresses, incentive or reward stays, celebration of events.... There are many opportunities to organize a business trip.
For more than 10 years now, Portugal has been investing massively to enhance its tourist attractions. The results from these initiatives did not take slong. In 2016, Portugal welcomed more than 18 million tourists. There were more than 28 million in 2018.
As a trendy destination in Europe, Portugal hosts an increasing number of corporate events.
★ Accessibility
Portugal is less than 3 hours flight time from most European capitals and is very well linked by traditional or low-cost airlines to its 3 international airports from Porto in the North, Lisbon in the Centre and Faro in the South.
Transfers to hotels are also very easy because Lisbon Airport is located at the city's gates and has a metro station that takes you to the centre in less than 10 minutes. Porto airport also has a metro station in front of the airport. Faro Airport is located in the middle of the Algarve, next to the A22 motorway, which serves tourist attractions in less than 30 minutes.
Finally, the motorway and rail network is very developed, very modern and covers all Portuguese regions very well, which makes it very easy to travel around the country.
★ The tourist attraction
Regularly recognized as the best tourist destination in Europe, even by the "World Travel Awards", Portugal is now a trendy destination.
The mild climate in all seasons and more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year make it possible to hold company seminars all year round. The temperature rarely drops below 12° in Lisbon and it is not uncommon to be able to enjoy beautiful sunny days of more than 20° from December to February.
To this attractiveness, we must also add culture and history. Portugal is the oldest country in Europe and is full of monuments and remnants that bear witness to its rich history and culture. Among the 22 sites classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, you will discover the Monastery of Hieronymites and the Tower of Belem in Lisbon. Porto is not to be outdone with its historic city centre and the Upper Douro Wine Region accessible in less than a quarter of an hour has to be visited as well.
Finally, Portuguese cuisine will seduce your guests with the inevitable cod dishes, the must-have Nata pasteis, Port wines, and extraordinary olive oils. Portugal with its 850 kilometers of coastline is also the land of fish and seafood: sea bass, sea bream and the very secret "bernacles" are accommodated by renowned young chefs.
★ Portuguese quality of life
Portugal is a peaceful country. By 2018, it was listed as the 4th safest country in the world after Iceland, New Zealand and Austria and crime continues to decline after 7 consecutive years of decline.
Portugal is a tolerant country with a tradition of progressive legislation that has allowed same-sex weddings since 2010 and has decriminalized soft drugs whose use is largely declining.
Beyond these legislative aspects, Portugal is a peaceful country in which social peace can be extended to all aspects of Portuguese society. Another essential quality: Portuguese people! They have a reputation, not usurped, of being warm, welcoming and helpful. The older generations speak French fluently (first language taught in school until the 1980s) the younger generations speak English fluently.
★ Hotels and seminar venues
Castles, palaces, monasteries, kings' residences, queen's rooms... Portugal has a unique hotel offer through its network of Pousadas which offers a unique experience of immersion in Portuguese culture by accommodating you in some of the historic properties.
For example, the Pousada of Cascais is a luxury hotel located within the historic fortress of the Citadel, which was built in the 16th century. In addition to its rooms, the Pousadaof Cascais has 12 spaces dedicated to host events, including a room with a capacity for 350 people.
Lisbon, with its organisation by district, which gives it a village atmosphere, has a wide range of 3 to 5 star hotels to host all corporate events. We frequently deliver our business gifts to the Pestana Palace Hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city, overlooking the Tagus River and the wonderful April 25 bridge.
Porto and its historic city centre, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also has a plethora of hotels in all categories. The Palacio do Freixo, one of the most significant examples of Portuguese Baroque architecture is one of them. Its facilities and location on the banks of the Douro make it a perfect destination for a company seminar.
★ Authentic business gifts
Your seminar or congress will be the opportunity to offer a gift to your guests. Take the opportunity to offer a gift that respects Portugal, its authenticity and traditions. Avoid souvenir shops, which generally only offer small, vaguely Portuguese objects that are precisely imported from Asia. All the products in our catalogue are extraordinary products, 100% made in Portugal, rooted in their history and often surprisingly modern.
Let us guide you, we are based in Lisbon, we speak French, English, and Portuguese and we are there to advise you, help you and give you a quote. From the little attention to the exceptional gift, we will offer you a wide choice of authentic products.