All in for Albufeira

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Visit Portugal Visit Algarve.

A very memorable trip to Albufeira on Portugal’s Algarve last week was an extremely informative, educational and fun few days. Hosted by the lovely Joana Machado (Turismo Albufeira) and our fearless leader Aileen Eglington (AE Consulting) our tour was top notch from start to finish. Joined by our colleagues in Northern Ireland, we were a merry (don’t overread that word please!) bunch who had a genuine joie de vivre and real work ethic to boot.

Irish Delegates included:

Jacinta Mc Glynn (Travelbiz), Hazel Marshall and Kellie Fitzsimons (both Sunway), Michelle Lyons (Fahy Travel), Jackie Spain and Joe Connolly (both Cloud 9 Travel), Isabel Russell (Freedom Travel), Lisa Warren (Killiney Travel), Jennifer Barnwell (Best4Travel) and Maria Cavalcanti (ITTN).

Northern Irish Delegates included:

Peter Mc Minn, Juliane Mc Gill and Robert Wilson (all Travel Solutions), Laura Cassidy (Heathside Travel), Chantelle Caulfield (Barrhead Travel), Rachel Mc Illmoyle (Limavady Travel), Caoimhe Brinkley (Hays Travel Foyleside), Dawn Armstrong (JF Travel) and Jennifer Elliot (Northcoast World Choice).

The Mayor of Albufeira hosted a delicious fishy lunch at Clube de Pesca on arrival with local baby clams and seafood risotto, then we sashayed off to a brilliant boat trip on Ride, Ocean Emotion. We sailed in and out of the iconic rocky outcrops where the limestone reflected brilliant sunshine and we spotted secret caves where holes in the ceiling rocks let the rays pour in. Magical. By the way, we nearly spotted dolphins, but I guess that’s for another day and we’ll just have to return.

A splendid dinner at Wild & Co in the centre of Albufeira and a few ‘wild’ cocktails later had the group in mighty form. Our accommodation options – Hotel Topazio, Aqua dos Bicos and Salgados Grande (NAU Hotels) showed excellent choices and quality and a great lesson for the group to offer different choices to clients in varying locations within the resort.

I may have mentioned the thrilling adventure Jeep Safari Paderne where we drove through surprisingly lush countryside and plucked local herbs along the road. We saw first-hand the wonderful cork trees (there were a few huggers too!) and learned of the legendary history and proud Portuguese fame of providing cork to wine merchants worldwide. Lunch in Three Crowns in Albufeira Old Town was simply delicious and the location on a tiny meandering whitewashed street overhung with raspberry pink bougainvillea was idyllic.

The fitting finale of a busy workshop with delicious dinner at the All-Inclusive Adriana Beach Club saw intense engagement with our travel agents and local hoteliers and suppliers, but not before visiting Praia de Falesia, recently voted best beach in all of Europe.

Throughout the trip, Albufeira Tourism showcased superb food, iconic landmarks, fabulous beaches, dazzling sunshine and incredible hospitality. Without doubt, Albuefeira hits the high notes and I predict the resort will swarm with delighted Irish holidaymakers for endless seasons in the future. Obrigado Albufeira.