Portugal pays a visit!

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The charm of Carlos Oliveira (Director Portuguese TO Dublin) is matched only by the warm personalities of Hoteliers and colleagues who converged on Dublin on September 3rd to impress upon the rapt audience (and Jacinta from Travelbiz!) that Portugal is a wonderful holiday destination. As if we didn’t already know!

Interesting presentations were made by Nuno Franca from IntoTravel (DMC Portugal) who explained the raison d’etre of his company (MICE, transfers etc); whilst Miguel Cymbron whipped through his impressive list of 11 VIP Hotels, each offering different standards, excellent facilities, superb staff and locations.

Joao Freitas, General Manager of Lutecia Design Hotel in Lisbon whetted our appetite for a smart, ultra-modern property in a central location with themed floors – choose from Funky, Disco, Kiss me and more! Each floor has strikingly different décor, so prepare to be wowed. Located close to the train line, Estoril and Cascais are only 30 minutes away.

Meanwhile, Miguel from Palacio Hotel Estoril (Small Luxury Hotels of the World) told us of the fascinating story behind the stunning hotel. A Russian spy (Dusko Popov) once holed up in the hotel in 1941 as did Ian Fleming who was inspired to write his first novel, Casino Royale! Apart from the amazing history, Palacio Hotel Estoril has a connection with the Banyan Tree, so spa facilities are de riguer.

Carlos Matuto hailed the gorgeous Convento do Espinhero (a former Convent) as a property well worth visiting. Situated in the historic city of Evora (in the spectacular wine district of Alentejo), I can personally vouch for this beautiful hotel.

Sam from Tap Air Portugal gave us a rundown of flight connectivity as Dublin can link to Portugal, Europe, Africa and the Americas. 14 flights weekly from Dublin to Portugal ensure the Algarve, Lisbon, Cascais & Estoril and Alentejo are all easily accessible. Ireland’s continuing love story with Portugal will never be quenched.

Thank you Carlos for a splendid evening and some lucky winners went home happy!