The Algarve is putting its wines and vineyards in the spotlight as part of a campaign to attract visitors throughout the year.
Between October 7 and 10, the region welcomed 14 Spanish travel agents for a tour of wine tourism experiences in Albufeira, Lagoa, Portimão and Faro.
The initiative aimed to encourage Spanish operators to include Algarve wine experiences in their holiday packages, particularly outside the peak summer season.
The campaign also includes a new promotional brochure and a video, Algarve, Entre Uvas e Marés (Algarve, Between Grapes and Tides), showcasing local wineries, producers, gastronomy and traditions.
Meanwhile, the fourth Lagoa Wine Tourism Forum will take place on November 12 and 13 at the Lagoa Congress Centre, bringing together Portuguese and Spanish wine tourism professionals.
The event will explore ways to strengthen the connection between wine, gastronomy and tourism.
André Gomes, president of regional tourism board Turismo do Algarve, says wine offers an opportunity to showcase a different side of the region.
“Wine allows us to introduce visitors to a different Algarve, deeply connected to its territory, gastronomy and traditions,” he said.
The initiative forms part of the region’s wider strategy to diversify tourism and attract visitors beyond the traditional summer months.
Michael Bruxo
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.