An “Oscar” for the Algarve

The Algarve was awarded the travel trade’s equivalent of an ‘Oscar’ for its marketing and promotional strategies during the annual World Travel Market fair.

The fair, held in London between 9th & 12th October, is described as the premier global event for the travel industry. The Algarve’s regional tourism board (ERTA) won the award for its alternative marketing programmes aimed at selling the region as more than just a sun and beach destination to modern tourists.During the awards ceremony, the region’s annual Allgarve events programme was cited as an example of good promotional practices. The events are held in the region every summer and incorporate various types of activities including concerts, gastronomic events, sports and leisure.

Fiona Jeffery, chairman of the WTM, said: “Allgarve is an excellent example for all traditional sun and beach destinations to follow.”

Next year, the ERTA is also looking to work on tourism offers in niche markets as well as attracting more tourists from Scandinavia and the Benelux countries as well as its traditional market of visitors from the UK, Germany and Holland.