New Delhi: With an objective of building destination awareness about Portugal in India, VFS Global has been nominated the new Trade and Marketing Agency for Turismo de Portugal, the official Tourism Board for Portugal.
The aim is to attract more visitor footfall from India and position Portugal as the leading destination for travellers across segments.
In its role, VFS Global will help establish a bigger media outreach for Turismo de Portugal, providing them the latest updates about the destination, and keeping the travel trade up to date on the most recent and relevant information on places, products, and experiences, said a press statement issued here today.
Additionally, there will be a focus on building corporate and airline partnerships to establish Portugal as a preferred destination in the Indian market, it said.
“Since the opening of our Turismo de Portugal office in 2020, based in New Delhi, our aim is to work with the entire Indian market. This is a very strong commitment, and we have selected VFS Global as our local Travel Trade and PR Agency to help us with this thrilling and huge task, with two major objectives,” said Claudia Matias, Director – India, Turismo de Portugal.
“First one is to increase awareness about Portugal as a tourist destination and the second one, of course, is to increase partnerships with different tour operators and travel agencies to increase their knowledge and expertise on Portugal and to create the best conditions for these potential partners to bring more business here from India,” he added.
Arzan Khambatta, Head – Tourism Services, VFS Global, said Portugal is the ideal destination for Indian travellers across segments and budgets, with an array of offerings from traditional tourist activities such as night life and nature to bespoke experiences including destination weddings and large family getaways.
“From sandy beaches to lush vineyards, this Southern European country has a range of activities, attractions and experiences for Free and Independent Travellers (FITs), well-travelled and first-time Indian tourists. We look forward to promoting the wonders of Portugal to customers through our partners and media here in India,” Khambatta said.
In Portugal, travellers can lose themselves in the history of heritage sites such as the Monastery of Alcobaça & Batalha and the Convent of the Order of Christ in Tomar.
They can also indulge in experiences like the Douro River Cruise and explore Porto, an ancient city, whose historic centre has been classified as World Heritage and get the adrenaline flowing with equestrian and water sports.
Tourists can also feel one with nature on the many hiking and cycling trails, star gazing nights, whale and dolphin watching excursions, and visits to Geopark Serra da Estrela and Berlenga Biosphere reserve, host MICE activities and groups in the many state-of-the-art, luxurious venues available, and so much more.
Portugal is also an encounter with spirituality. The Portuguese Road to Santiago and the Paths of Fátima are increasingly sought out by those who like walking a purpose, focusing on knowledge, nature and culture. Portugal has something for everyone and for the foodies, the mastery of talented chefs has also raised Portuguese cooking to the heights of the best cuisines in the world.
