The Algarve has been named the Guest National Destination at BTL – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market 2026, Portugal’s largest tourism fair, which will take place from February 25 to March 1 at FIL – Parque das Nações in Lisbon.
The status gives the Algarve a central presence at the event, along with a dedicated programme running throughout the fair. The agenda will focus on promoting the region, showcasing its tourism offer and highlighting sustainability strategies within the sector.
As Guest National Destination, the Algarve will be featured prominently across BTL, with initiatives aimed at strengthening its national and international visibility among industry professionals, tour operators and the general public.
The announcement comes at a time of strong demand for the fair, which has consolidated its position as Portugal’s leading platform for tourism business and internationalisation.
BTL continues to grow
The 2026 edition of BTL will host around 1,700 exhibitors, 125 international destinations and cover a total area of 60,000 square metres. The international exhibition area will expand by 20% compared with the previous edition, reflecting growing global interest in the event.
In the business-to-business segment, BTL will bring together more than 200 qualified buyers from 42 source markets and around 500 national and international companies, creating opportunities to promote destinations and develop new partnerships.
Demand is rising across key tourism sectors, with hospitality showing the strongest growth at 27%, followed by services (up 15%) and distribution (up 10%).
“BTL continues to grow steadily, reinforcing its role as a unique platform for business, networking and destination promotion,” said Dália Palma, the fair’s coordinating manager.
Organised by the AIP Foundation, the 36th edition of BTL combines business, innovation and experience, bringing together national and international tourism offerings. Figueira da Foz will be the Guest Municipality for the 2026 edition, with its own programme running throughout the event.
