Taking place from 5 to 8 November at the Algarve Marriott Salgados Golf Resort & Conference Centre, the event is being organised by Grupo Newtour in partnership with the Algarve Tourism Board.

This summit will bring together travel agency networks belonging to Grupo Newtour, tourism operators, strategic partners and other key industry figures.

Professional networking

The discussions will focus on the challenges facing tourism distribution, while the programme will also provide opportunities for professional networking, knowledge sharing and the development of new business models.

According to the organisers, the programme includes sessions dedicated to the different distribution networks within Grupo Newtour, before concluding with a gathering involving tourism partners and tour operators.

The partnership with the Algarve Tourism Board is intended to strengthen the region’s ties with the professionals who promote and sell tourism products directly to consumers.

Carlos Baptista, administrator of Grupo Newtour and head of its Distribution division, said the partnership had been instrumental in bringing the summit to the Algarve.

He added that the collaboration represented a shared commitment to bringing the destination closer to the companies and professionals who promote and sell it on a daily basis, while also reinforcing the connection between tourism distribution and one of Portugal’s leading destinations.

The Algarve Tourism Board stated that hosting the summit would provide an opportunity to showcase the region’s tourism offer directly to influential industry decision-makers.

Tourism seasonality

André Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Board, said the event would help highlight the destination’s diversity, quality and capacity for innovation, while strengthening relationships with the tourism distribution sector.

He also pointed to the timing of the event as particularly significant, arguing that bringing a major industry gathering to the region in November demonstrates the Algarve’s ability to host professional events throughout the year.

As reported by the organisers, the summit is expected to contribute to efforts to reduce tourism seasonality while supporting the Algarve’s competitiveness.