Visit Portugal’s Inês Almeida Garrett on the destination’s all-season appeal
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been in the travel industry? Did you move to Canada for the role?
I am from Lisbon, Portugal, married to Gonçalo and we have two daughters, ages seven and nine. We all moved to Canada due to the Visit Portugal job, and we are loving the experience (the overall experience, not the winters, of course!). We arrived in April 2022, we have settled and found amazing friends. We all enjoy our Canadian daily lives very much.
I have been in the travel industry, working with Visit Portugal, since 2013, and loving every day of it. First as Director for the China market, based in Shanghai, then as Director for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, based in Berlin. And now Canada is my market and it has been an amazing challenge. I feel very welcomed by everyone in the industry, all partners are reliable, friendly, open to discuss new and great projects with us, hardworking, there are only positive things to say about my experience.
As the new year kicks off, what’s new and exciting?
The good news is that the best Portuguese assets are all there, no matter the year: sun, good weather, welcoming people, safety, amazing food and wine! And we will have more flight connectivity to the Azores with new Air Canada and WestJet flights from Toronto to Ponta Delgada, as well as a new flight from Halifax to Lisbon, also operated by WestJet, that will be the first route from the Maritimes to Portugal. But mainly I think the most exciting thing is that you can visit Portugal all year round because the weather is good and there is always something blooming, no matter the month.
Also, I am glad to share that we just started working with GMS as our travel trade agency for Canada, meaning we will have more ability to answer to all the requests we are getting and to work closer with all our partners in the market.
What’s a lesser known part of Portugal that you think travel advisors should consider when booking a trip for their clients?
I would say the Centre of Portugal that distinguishes itself for the fishing villages and the historical villages. It is a very known region for surfing. Cities like Coimbra, with one of the oldest universities in the world still in operation, Aveiro, with its Art Nouveau and river that crosses the city and Viseu, Guarda and Castelo Branco, that bring us to a medieval era with their stone architecture. And I would like to point out the 27 villages spread across this region, such as mountain villages, schist villages and historical villages – they are top rural travel destinations in Portugal with river beaches, mountain biking, trekking, great food, and more. They are really worth a visit – there you can disconnect and immerse yourself in unique experiences.
What’s trending or selling well in the Canadian market right now?
I must say I am very proud of our performance in the Canadian market. Sometimes advisors come to me and say something like “I was in Portugal, I loved it, I want to go back again” or “Portugal is on my bucket list” and I burst with joy. All our trade partners (tour operators, travel agents, travel advisors, airlines and all others) are doing an amazing job towards the awareness and sales of Portugal and I am very grateful for all their work, their commitment, their passion. If I would have to highlight some, I would point out Madeira and Azores as trending. Canadians are discovering these archipelagos and really enjoying the experience!
What’s something that many people may not know about you?
- I met my husband, also a Portuguese, in China (imagine!).
- I was Deputy Director of the Portugal Pavillion in Expo 2010 Shanghai and it was an amazing experience, full of adrenaline every day.
- I am 5 feet tall so sometimes you might not see me in a crowd. And I might also not see you because I need to wear glasses, but I don’t.
- I enjoy being surrounded by friends and I take their side in all battles.
- I am not a morning person. I hate to wake up with the sound of radio, TV, music, and my kids shouting for me already.
Are you on team window or aisle? Carry-on or checked bag?
Window of course, so I can sleep all the way through. Carry-on because I love to travel light and because the more I bring the more chances for me to lose something.
Do you keep track of how many countries you’ve been to? If so, what’s your number?
Oh no… never done the math but since we are on it let me see: Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Latvia, Lithuania, Austria, Croatia, China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Aruba, USA, Canada (of course!). But I know I am forgetting some… So 26 and counting – I am sure anyone reading this article will beat me.
If you had to sing karaoke tonight, which song would you pick?
Bon Jovi, Shot Through the Heart, but you don’t want to hear me sing, trust!
What do you do for fun when you’re not working?
When am I not working? Kidding but I have to say I have a great job, I really enjoy what I do and have lots of fun. I love to play cards and I am very competitive. I love a good puzzle (my birthday is June 18, if anyone is interested), enjoy a good read, sitting on an esplanade, sharing a meal and a glass of wine with friends.
Do you have anything to add?
If anyone has read until the end, I will not bore them with more details about myself. Just would like to remind all that Portugal welcomes you all with open arms!
