Visit Portugal brings tourism leaders together at trade marketplace in Évora

 Visit Portugal’s Travel Trade Marketplace Canada is underway in Évora, Portugal this week. The major industry initiative brings together 40 leading Canadian tour operators and travel buyers, 40 Portuguese tourism suppliers, and representatives from all seven of Portugal’s regional tourism boards.

Designed to strengthen commercial relationships, inspire new travel opportunities and further expand Portugal’s presence in the Canadian market, the initiative represents one of Visit Portugal’s significant travel trade investments in Canada this year, reinforcing the country’s commitment to developing its Canadian partnerships and showcasing the diversity of its tourism offering.

Building on Portugal’s popularity and established position in the Canadian market and supported by excellent air connectivity between the two countries, the Marketplace aims to strengthen industry relationships and create new opportunities for Canadian travel professionals to expand their Portugal offerings.

By bringing together tourism stakeholders from across the country, the Marketplace also encourages greater regional discovery, introduces buyers to new destinations and experiences, and supports the continued development of year-round tourism.

At the opening of the Marketplace earlier this week, Visit Portugal Director in Canada, Ines Almeida Garrett told the audience that the event represents a strategic opportunity to introduce Canadian travel professionals to Portugal’s diversity, strengthen commercial relationships and position the Alentejo as a destination worth exploring.

The Marketplace also included immersive Destination Classrooms highlighting the unique tourism experiences of all seven Portuguese regions.

TAP Air Portugal, the Marketplace’s official airline partner, also presented to attendees, highlighting the importance of air connectivity in facilitating travel between Canada and Portugal.

Canadian buyers had an opportunity to experience the destination firsthand during the opening day. They enjoyed a guided visit to Évora, followed by an official welcome dinner at Convento do Espinheiro, a historic property that reflects the cultural heritage and distinctive hospitality of the Alentejo region. The guests were welcomed by a group singing Cante Alentejano, a traditional folk singing from the Alentejo region.

At the heart of the week’s events is a dedicated one-to-one B2B Marketplace, where Canadian buyers connect directly with Portuguese tourism suppliers to explore business opportunities, establish new partnerships and develop innovative travel experiences for Canadians.

The week extends beyond the Marketplace through curated regional post-tours across Portugal’s seven regions, offering Canadian participants a deeper understanding of the country’s attractions and experiences to support future product development.

Hosting the Marketplace in Évora places regional discovery at the forefront of the initiative. As a UNESCO World Heritage city, Évora offers an exceptional setting to introduce Canadian travel professionals to the cultural richness, history, gastronomy, landscapes and authentic experiences that define the Alentejo and Portugal’s wider regional tourism offering.

Through the participation of all seven regional tourism boards, Visit Portugal aims to encourage Canadian operators to look beyond established itineraries and explore the many distinctive experiences available throughout the country. From cultural and heritage tourism to gastronomy, nature, outdoor activities and authentic local experiences, Portugal offers a variety of opportunities for travellers no matter the season.

For more on the Marketplace, go to www.portugalcanadamarketplace.com and for more on Portugal, go to https://www.visitportugal.com/en .