The Algarve is doubling down on its attempts to promote itself in the United States of America by taking part in two leading international trade events this month: ILTM North America, held from October 6 to 9 in the Bahamas, and IMEX America, from October 7 to 9 in Las Vegas.
The initiative aims to strengthen the Algarve’s positioning in the luxury travel and business events segments, according to a statement by the region’s tourism board Turismo do Algarve.
ILTM North America (International Luxury Travel Market) is considered one of the most prestigious global events dedicated to luxury tourism. This will be the Algarve’s first appearance at the fair, where it will engage directly with travel advisors and tour operators seeking exclusive destinations and experiences. The goal is to enhance the region’s reputation as a” sophisticated destination” and attract “high-spending visitors”, the tourism board says.
At the same time, Turismo do Algarve will return to IMEX America, a leading trade show for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE). Participating as part of the Portugal stand and accompanied by ten regional companies, the Algarve will promote its infrastructure and capacity to host professional events of international scale. The participation also seeks to generate new business opportunities for local partners and to reinforce the region’s competitiveness in the global business travel market, Turismo do Algarve states.
While the American market has been growing tremendously in the Algarve in recent years, regional tourism chief André Gomes believes there is still room to grow, particularly in the “premium and corporate segments.”
“We want to be on the radar of the big decision, not only for leisure travel decisions but also for major international events,” Gomes says, quoted in the statement.
The US is currently one of the Algarve’s most promising external markets, already ranking among the main sources of tourists to Portugal. As Turismo do Algarve points out, American travellers are known for their high purchasing power and a strong interest in luxury and business travel.
