Albufeira for all

Jacinta Mc Glynn (Travelbiz) attended the Dublin Trade & Tourism Workshop for Albufeira Tourism in Medley, Fleet Street. Organised by the ever-ebullient Aileen Eglington (AE Consulting), the evening was a real success from the enthusiastic participants to the eager travel agents. The crowded room was buzzing as hoteliers, agents and suppliers interacted and non-stop streams of information exchanged.

The charming Joana Machado (General Manager Turismo de Albufeira) joined by the equally charming Alexandre Cabrita (Albufeira Municipio) oversaw proceedings to ensure smooth and cool runnings! The fabulous resort of Albufeira was well represented and present were: Rafaela Santos (Vidamar); Joao Pinheiro (AP Hotels); Luis Garcia (DHM); Carla Branco (Details); Cristina Picarra (The Prime Energyze); Eduardo Magalhaes (EC Travel); Heliodoro Miranda (Bar 33); Kevin Bispo (Algarveexperience); Patricia Godinho (Pedras del Rey); Honorio Teixeira (Visacar); Hugo Abreu (Rocamar); Sonia Coixao (Luna Hotels); Matilde Bispo (Algarve Resorts) and Saija & Carlos Oliveira (Choromar / Vagatur).

The Dublin travel agents really came out in force and enjoyed a lovely evening with drinks and a super dinner (well done Chef Andrew Rudd of Medley) and naturally, some great prizes. Joana Machado, flanked by Team Albufeira Tourism Desiderio Silva (President) and Vitor Vieira (Vice President) and Alexandre Cabrito proudly told us that Ireland is the Algarve’s 3rd biggest market after UK & Germany, not bad for our little island of happy travellers! Albufeira has the top Blue Flag beaches in Europe and countless other stunning attractions.

Little wonder it’s so popular then. A real coup on the night was the appearance of His Excellency, Bernard Lucena, the Portuguese Ambassador to Ireland who lent gravitas to the evening. It was wonderful to catch up with our pals from Albufeira and assure them that Irish golfers and sun seekers will continue their love story with Portugal.