Known for its rich heritage and beautiful weather, Portugal is one of the selected stops when taking a trip to Europe.
But with the economic slump bogging down the tourism industry, Portugal is also seeing a decline in the number of incoming travelers, who mainly come from neighboring European countries.
To break the stalemate, the Portuguese government is going all out to maximize its tourism attractions and target emerging markets of Asia, namely Korea and China.
"Our main markets are located in Europe, taking up more than 90 percent. But those numbers are struggling a bit," said Portugal`s Secretary of State for Tourism Bernardo Trindade in an interview at the residence of the Portuguese ambassador in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul.
Trindade and his team of delegates were in the city Tuesday to meet with local tourism businesses to discuss ways of fostering Koreans` travel to the "friendly and warm" country.
Explaining that it is time for each country to expand their portfolio in time with the spreading economic crisis, Trindade said Korea was one of the largest Asian markets along with China and Japan. About 13 million Koreans are tallied to travel overseas. Approximately 50 million Chinese and 20 million Japanese go on overseas trips annually, he said.
"We had an excellent (tourism industry) in 2007. But we will face problems in 2009 and 2010," Trindade said.
"But tourism will never go away. You`ll have someone that travels. Tourism never ends."
Following this visit by the Portuguese government team, Portugal will begin promoting its country here next year, by arranging familiarization tours for travel agents and others, he explained.
"It will happen one at a time. We have the conditions to build the confidence between travel companies, airlines and others," Trindade said, pointing out that it is important to forge cooperation among businesses in bolstering tourism.
Portugal, located in southwestern Europe, is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the south, and Spain to the north and the east.
Portugal has the 19th highest quality of life in the world, albeit with a small population of slightly more than 10 million.
And that is what Portugal shares with Korea, Trindade said.
"In terms of (comparatively small) population (in the region), when you talk of Korea integrated in this area concerning Japan and China, Portugal has probably the same feeling. But it`s a time to work together. So the challenges (we face) are the same," he said.
One of the biggest attractions, especially for Korean travelers, could be the spectacular all-year-round golf courses, he said.
"Portugal is the best destination for golfing, which I am sure is important for Koreans who enjoy golf very much," Trindade said.
With 3,000 hours of sunny weather in a year with mild temperatures, Portugal offers more than 70 golf courses located both on the mainland and on the islands of the Azores and Madeira.
The courses in the Algarve region were named as the "Best Golfing Destination in the World" by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, Trindade explained.
One can also indulge in the religious and cultural journey by visiting Fatima city.
Fatima is famous for the events of 1917, when three peasant children claimed to have seen the "Virgin of Rosary." The shrine "Basilica" is one of the famous tours.
Large torch-light processions to honor the Virgin Mary are said to be an impressive event.
For more information on touring Portugal, visit www.visitportugal.com.
By Lee Joo-hee
(angiely@heraldm.com)
[출처 : 코리아헤럴드]
