January will be a busy month for the Algarve Tourism Association, which will attend several major tourism fairs and events across Europe
The Algarve Tourism Association (ATA) is beginning the new year with an ambitious plan to promote the region at several major tourism fairs and events across Europe in January.
“We are starting the year ambitiously, with a schedule packed full of promotional events in priority markets for the Algarve,” says Algarve tourism boss André Gomes in a statement to the press. “From international fairs to specialised events, we will attend some of the most important tourism stages in Europe.”
The promotional campaign begins at the Vakantiebeurs in Utrecht, Netherlands, from January 8 to 12. As the largest tourism fair in the Netherlands, this event attracts holiday planners from across the country, offering the Algarve a platform to showcase its diverse appeal to a wide range of travellers.
ATA will then head to London for the Adventure Travel Show on January 11 and 12. Partnering with Madeira and the Azores, the Algarve will “present Portugal as a hub for active and adventure tourism”. With support from local partners such as BikeTours Portugal and Megasport, the region aims to captivate nature lovers and adventure seekers with its outdoor experiences, says ATA.
From January 16 to 19, the Algarve will divide its efforts between two major events: the Matka Nordic Travel Fair in Finland and the Ferien-Messe Wien in Austria. In Helsinki, the Algarve will participate in the Matka Fair, Northern Europe’s premier travel showcase, where industry professionals and the public will explore its offerings. Meanwhile, in Vienna, the Ferien-Messe Wien will serve as a platform to promote the Algarve’s unique charm to Austrian travellers.
The promotional journey continues in Germany from January 18 to 26 at CMT, one of the world’s largest travel and leisure fairs, held in Stuttgart. With a focus on outdoor and nature-based activities, the Algarve will highlight its mild climate, picturesque landscapes, and wide array of experiences designed for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Algarve’s focus will then shift to Madrid on January 22 and 23 for FITUR, described as a strategic event for building connections with airlines, tour operators, and other key stakeholders and promoting itself in its main proximity market.
On January 23, the Algarve will attend the prestigious Irish Travel Industry Awards, where it will connect with Irish travel professionals and media. This engagement will be complemented by its presence at the Holiday World Show in Dublin from January 24 to 26. With a dedicated booth, the Algarve aims to inspire Irish travellers and solidify its position as one of their preferred destinations.
The month concludes with two significant events from January 30 to February 2. At the Break the ICE Workshop in Brussels, the Algarve will target the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector, meeting with European event planners and corporations to highlight its capabilities as a host for professional gatherings. Simultaneously, in Zurich, the FESPO & Golfmesse will provide the Algarve an opportunity to spotlight its premier golf courses, nature tourism, and outdoor activities to Swiss travellers seeking high-quality leisure experiences.
According to ATA, the idea behind the packed schedule is to showcase what sets the Algarve apart as a “versatile and attractive destination, capable of surpassing travellers’ expectations and meeting the demands of global markets”.
“We are confident that these events will contribute to boost the international notoriety of our region and create valuable opportunities to strengthen ties with strategic partners, tour operations and specialised press,” André Gomes, the president of ATA, says
He adds: “With this promising start, we believe 2025 can be another year of growth and achievements for Algarve tourism.”
