Visit Portugal is intensifying its campaign to draw Canadian visitors during the winter and spring, with a focus on strengthening trade alliances and promotional backing. The initiative follows a rise in air travel availability, which now opens doors for Canadians to visit beyond the traditional peak travel months.
The effort is coordinated by two key units: Global Marketing & Sales (GMS), which manages relationships with travel industry professionals, and VOX, responsible for media and public relations. Both operate under the leadership of Inês Almeida Garrett, Visit Portugal’s director for Canada, to enhance the country’s visibility in the Canadian market.
Almeida Garrett emphasized the role of travel trade partners in driving Portugal’s success. “Our travel trade partners are central to Portugal’s success in Canada. Their expertise, enthusiasm and continued support help turn interest in our destination into travel.” The agencies are now boosting their efforts to engage Canadian travelers through specialized campaigns and resources.
In the coming months, Visit Portugal will maintain a strong presence at industry gatherings across Canada, engaging advisors through online seminars, training programs, and immersive trips. These initiatives are designed to give advisors the expertise needed to confidently promote Portugal to their clients.
The plan also includes in-person events in Portugal before the end of the year. Starting in October, the Air Canada & United Airlines Race 2026 in Porto will offer travel professionals an up-close experience of the region. Later in November, two major conferences will take place: the Travel Trade Marketplace Canada in Alentejo and the CATO Out-of-Country Symposium in the Azores. These events will help Canadian operators broaden their offerings and strengthen ties with local tourism businesses.
Portugal is now positioning itself as a year-round destination, promoting diverse experiences such as urban cultural visits, food and wine tours, island getaways, golf retreats, and nature excursions. The increase in flight capacity is making these options more reachable for travelers outside the usual busy periods.