Portugal Opens up for Meetings and events
As Europe continues its successful vaccination programme, hope is on the horizon for the travel industry. Recently we had the opportunity to visit Portugal to meet our partner DMC for events in Portugal and Islands – STAR Your World, who we’ve been proudly representing since the launch of STAR Your World.
At the time we travelled, the country was on the UK’s safe travel list. It was switched to the amber list when we were out there, meaning we needed additional PCR tests upon return. We were highly impressed with Randox Global Healthcare, the company selected for our PCR testing. They were not only efficient when dealing with the last-minute changes, but the company was continually on hand for advice during our trip.
We partner with hotels across Portugal, and we were lucky enough to stay at the fantastic Pestana Alvor Praia in the Algarve on our trip. The Pestana group is renowned for their impressive Portuguese properties, and they have seven in total in the popular Algarve region. Boasting incredible views over the Atlantic Ocean, The Pestana Alvor Praia hotel is always a hit with incentive groups due to its location, setting and modern, airy bedrooms and balconies.
During the stay we dined on fresh fish at the Sea Deck restaurant, which we’d highly recommend for sun set dinners of up to 70 guests. We enjoyed a tour of Portimao region, stopping off at the 100 year old café, Case Inglesa Casa Inglesa. We also loved the Benagil caves, which we visited by speedboat. One of Portugal's most stunning natural landmarks, the attraction features hidden grotto’s where groups can cool off from the Portuguese sun with a swim.
Just hours after our flying visit to the Algarve we arrived in Lisbon to meet our partners. We spent a happy afternoon travelling through the city’s landmarks on a TukTuk the perfect way to travel on a warm day. It’s also an ideal alternative to public transport for those travelling in smaller groups.
Whilst there we couldn’t resist a visit to ONYRIA Quinta da Marinha in Cascais, which has recently reopened after a huge renovation. They’ve opened 200 beautiful bedrooms with balconies, all tastefully decorated in the neutral colours. The hotel has a fantastic swimming pool, along with an 18-hole golf course for golfing enthusiasts not forgetting their All-inclusive offering to guests.
For those who like to explore newly renovated hotels, the EPIC SANA Marques is also set to open soon. With 379 luxurious rooms and stunning views of Lisbon’s most significant landmarks, the property offers more than 2000 square meter of event space, with capacity for up to 1,500 attendees. Before we left, we enjoyed a final stop-off at the Myriad by SANA Hotel, an ideal spot for automotive events with an impressive congress centre.
Despite the ongoing challenges the pandemic has caused, we were delighted to visit one of our favourite countries and sink our feet back into the sand. After a series of long, hard lockdowns we’re optimistic about the future and very much looking forward to the reopening of international corporate travel.
If you’re thinking of planning an event in future, STAR Your World would be pleased to assist you. Contact us today sales@staryourworld.com 01952 455532
