Agents hail ‘eye-opening’ fam trip to Portugal’s Alentejo region

Eight travel agents who explored the Alentejo region of Portugal on a fam trip have hailed its ‘eye-opening’ wide range of activities, cultural experiences and foodie options.

Alice Fonseca, product manager at Visit Portugal in the UK, said eight agents were invited following the participation of the Alentejo in the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) conference last October.

“The feedback we had from the agents was amazing,” said Fonseca.

“This trip was an eye opener about Portugal, since many travel agents still think of Portugal as a beach destination – with the Algarve – or city break destination – with Lisbon and Porto – but there is so much more to see, do and experience.

“The Alentejo has culture, heritage, lakes, gold sandy beaches, dolphins and amazing gastronomy and wine.”

The agents flew to Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal in premium economy and visited Alqueva Lake, the hill town of Monsaraz, Bejas castle, Porto Covo and Melides beaches, and Roman ruins at Troia, over the course of four days in May.

Gareth Harding (Travelsophers) said he would recommend the region now, especially for food lovers, adding: “Alentejo was a region that I was previously unfamiliar with, but I now know and appreciate the vast range of activities and amenities available for groups, couples, families…well, everyone.”

Elizabeth Ryan (The Personal Travel Agents) also praised the range of activities, quality of accommodation and speciality dishes, commenting: “I will never forget the chouriço butter at the lovely Mesa restaurant in Comporta and the stroll back to the hotel afterwards past the rice fields, the warm night alive with croaking frogs.”

Sally Murray (Travel Counsellors) agreed the trip was “hugely eye opening” and has shared her experiences with clients, friends and family, who were “very surprised how much was on offer”, from the wine tasting and history, to activities such as paddleboarding and boat trips on Alqueva Lake.

Liz O’Donovan (Destination Seekers) said: “It was the perfect holiday condensed into a short period of time: winery, activity (paddleboarding), history, beach and great food.”