Splendid Portugal: A Strong Start to 2025

Inside the Travel Industry: Trade Fairs & Partner Visits

At Splendid Portugal, the first three months of 2025 have been a dynamic and productive period, as we continued to strengthen our position in the competitive tourism market. Our participation in major international tourism fairs, including Fitur in January, ITB Berlin and BTL Lisbon in March, has been fundamental in reinforcing our strategic objectives. These events allowed us to maintain vital relationships with our existing partners, form new strategic alliances, and gain valuable insights into the current state of the tourism sector, particularly the travel expectations and trends for 2025.

Gaining Global Exposure at International Tourism Fairs

Tourism fairs are more than just networking opportunities—they are platforms for exploring new trends, understanding market shifts, and staying ahead of the curve. At Fitur, held in Madrid, we had the chance to connect with international players, showcase what Splendid Portugal offers, and discuss how we can innovate and start to combine trips between Portugal and Spain which is a major request from the market and we are awere of this opportunity so we want to give what the market is asking us. Similarly, ITB Berlin provided us with the opportunity to meet with key players in the global tourism industry and understand how the travel trends are defining the travel industry and how can we offer products that are more aligned with these emerging travel trends. At BTL Lisbon, one of the most important events in our home country, allowed us to touch base with local industry leaders, explore new products, and exchange ideas with our fellow Portuguese partners.

These fairs have been essential in ensuring that Splendid Portugal stays competitive by keeping us in the loop about the latest trends in travel. Also, to maintain a strong relationships with our existing partners, strengthening ties, and exploring new strategic collaborations that can help us meet the evolving needs of travelers for the next years.

Partners Visits: Immersing Ourselves in the Destination

Another crucial aspect of our strategy for 2025 is ensuring that our team has firsthand experience of the main destination we offer - Portugal. During the first quarter of the year, our team had the opportunity to conduct visits to some of Portugal’s most iconic regions: Douro, Porto Lisbon, Sintra, Algarve, Guimarães, Nazaré, and Gêres. These visits are not just about exploring the landscapes; they’re about gaining a deep understanding of what our travelers will experience when they travel with us.

For us, it's essential to only recommend experiences that we truly know and understand. From cultural and adrenaline-filled activities to boutique hotels, wineries (enoturism), and fine dining experiences, these visits help us assess and ensure the quality and authenticity of the offerings we present to our clients. When our team is well-acquainted with the experiences we propose, it strengthens our ability to create personalized itineraries that go beyond expectations.

Collaborative Growth and Continuous Improvement

Another important part of our strategy in the first quarter was the in-person visits we hosted at our headquarters with several of our long-standing and newer partner companies. These meetings provided us with a chance to review the services and products they are offering for 2025, keeping our team informed about the portfolio of services available and their updates. By maintaining a constant flow of communication with our partners, we are able to offer the best of what’s on the market, ensuring that we are prepared to meet the evolving demands of the travel industry.

These visits are a form of strategic investment for Splendid Portugal in several ways:

Individual Training: Our employees gain deeper knowledge, fostering a better understanding of our core mission and enhancing their ability to provide high-quality service.
Partner Evaluation: These visits allow us to assess whether our partners continue to meet the high standards of quality and safety we require.
Identifying Opportunities: By staying actively engaged with destinations and services, we’re able to spot new opportunities for exciting travel experiences.
Updating Knowledge: Keeping our knowledge current is crucial in a rapidly evolving industry, and these visits help ensure we stay ahead of trends.
Continuous Improvement: Every visit and collaboration brings insights that contribute to the ongoing improvement of our offerings and processes.

Strategic Synergy: International Fairs and Partners Visits

Both our participation in international tourism fairs and our the partners visits have proven to be invaluable for the success and growth of Splendid Portugal. By combining the global perspective gained from fairs with the in-depth, knowledge from on-the-ground visits, we are able to consistently improve the services we offer. Our team is more knowledgeable, more connected, and better equipped to meet the needs of travelers seeking unique, high-quality experiences.

In conclusion, the first three months of 2025 have reaffirmed the importance of these two strategic initiatives—maintaining a strong presence at international tourism fairs and ensuring continuous learning through on-the-ground visits. This dual approach keeps us at the forefront of the tourism industry, constantly evolving to offer the best experiences to our clients. We are excited for what the rest of the year will bring and look forward to continuing to create unforgettable travel experiences for everyone who chooses us.