The coronavirus crisis has prompted Portugal’s tourism authorities to adapt their promotional campaign to the rapidly changing times. One of the first initiatives – as the country maintains a “State of Emergency” – has been to change the national tourism board’s marketing message for the destination from #CantSkipPortugal to #CantSkipHope.
The message coincides with a video on the board’s social media channels noting “it’s time to stop”, accompanied by images from around Portugal.
The aim is to provide a message of hope for all, adjusted to the current crisis situation, and to show tourists, tourism professionals and Portuguese citizens that it is time “to pause, refocus and join efforts so that we can move forward”.
It is a message to the world, said the board, through a film with images that “reflect the best of Portugal, the landscapes, the moments, the people and the monuments, reminding people what awaits us if we all know to wait”.
According to Portuguese Tourism Board president Luís Araújo, “Above all, we would like this film to serve as an inspiration for a broader reflection and also be an example of a country’s effort to raise awareness and unite everyone to overcome this difficult moment in human history.”
The video was conceived and produced by teams working from home, featuring recent archive footage from the Portugal Tourism Board and a voiceover using a smartphone.
Algarve Region Recognised in Publituris Trade Awards
When the crisis is over, the Algarve region will remain one of the most popular destinations in Europe for returning tourists – not only for its “landscapes, moments, people and monuments” but also for a diverse and extensive array of leisure amenities.
This was highlighted at the 2020 Publituris Portugal Trade Awards this month in Lisbon, where the region picked up three prizes: Zoomarine as “Best Theme Park”, Vilamoura Marina the “Best Marina” and Vilamoura’s Centro de Congressos do Algarve named “Best Congress Centre”. In all, the Algarve had 14 nominations.
Organised by tourism newspaper Publituris, the awards are held every year with the aim of distinguishing excellence in tourism.
It was the 10th consecutive year that Vilamoura Marina had received the award, while Zoomarine is also a regular winner, and Centro de Congressos do Algarve was honoured for the first time.
In a press statement, the Vilamoura marina said, “The distinction recognises the high level of client satisfaction, as well as the quality of nautical services and facilities provided. The award follows on from the consecutive 2019 and 2020 recognition as ‘International Marina Of The Year’ by the Yacht Harbour Association.”
Other award winners:
- Altice – “Best Event Venue”
- APG Portugal – “Best General Sales Agent for Aviation”
- Guest-U – “Best Start-Up”
- Herdade da Malhadinha Nova – “Best Rural Accomodation”
- Lisbon – “Best Municipality”
- Monverde Wine Experience Hotel – “Best Wine Hotel”
- MSC Cruzeiros – “Best Cruise Company”
- Picos de Aventura – “Best Tourist Entertainment”
- Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park – “Best Eco Accommodation”
- Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & Spa – “Best Exclusive Hotel”
- Savoy Palace – “Best Luxury Hotel”
- Top Atlântico – “Best Corporate Agency”
- Turitravel – “Best B2B Reservations Centre”
For more information about what to do in the Algarve click here.