In April 2024, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) held its Out of Country Board Meeting in Portugal, bringing together 23 senior executives from USTOA member companies. This week-long event, from April 14 to 21, was co-hosted by Visit Portugal and Visit Center of Portugal, with sponsorship from Delta, TAP Air Portugal, and United Airlines. (ustoa.com)
Exploring Portugal’s Rich Heritage
The itinerary featured visits to historic and cultural cities, including Lisbon, Alcobaça, Nazaré, Óbidos, Tomar, Fátima, the Dão Wine Region, Santar, Viseu, Aveiro, and Costa Nova. Attendees explored the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Alcobaça, enjoyed wine tasting in the Dão Region’s vineyards, and took walking tours of Aveiro. (ustoa.com)
Fostering Industry Partnerships
A key component was the buyers and suppliers marketplace, where 34 local Portuguese suppliers met one-on-one with tour operators to build and nurture partnerships. This initiative aimed to strengthen U.S.-Portuguese tourism relations and provide travelers with authentic experiences. (ustoa.com)
Sustainability and Community Engagement
Discussions on sustainable tourism practices and community engagement were central to the meeting. Raul Almeida, president of Center of Portugal Tourism Board, emphasized the importance of preserving the region’s integrity while offering enriching experiences for visitors. (ustoa.com)
Impact on U.S. Tour Operators
The event provided U.S. tour operators with firsthand experience of Portugal’s diverse offerings, enabling them to enhance their itineraries and offer travelers unique and memorable experiences. (ustoa.com)
Conclusion
The USTOA’s Out of Country Board Meeting in Portugal successfully showcased the country’s rich heritage, fostered valuable industry partnerships, and highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism practices. This collaboration is expected to yield both short- and long-term benefits for the tourism industry. (ustoa.com)