Monte Horizonte

The 2011 travel and tourism competitiveness index, put together by the World Economic Forum, places Portugal in the top 20 most competitive destinations for tourism andtravel investments for the 3^rd year running. This is the 4^th edition of the index, published every two years, in which Portugal ranks at 18 on a global scale, one place below its 2009 ranking, still maintaining its 5.01 score.

Tourism is one of the most important industries of the Portuguese economy. The Hotel Schools of Turismo de Portugal represent high-quality and top professional training in this specific sector.  After the successful 1st edition in Lisbon, the Culinary Arts Program, designed in partnership with the Ecole htelire de Lausanne, will be available in the Schools of Lisboa and Estoril for the year 2011-2012. This program represents a unique opportunity for high quality training in a country with a rich gastronomy, as well as the opportunity for the students to learn with top chefs in a multicultural context. Click here for more information.

The Portuguese architect is one of the winners of the 2011 Philippe Rotthier European Prize for Architecture. Set up in 1982 by the architect Philippe Rotthier, this triennial architectural prize rewards projects that consciously identify with the traditional concept of the town or city as seen through European eyes. José Baganha won the prize of “Prix de la meilleure reconversion sociale” with his project “Casa do Médico São Rafael” in Sines, the transformation of the main building of a farm in social center for seniors and it includes a restaurant and a hotel. Tel. + 351 269 860 800.

A study by Skyscanner has shown there is a huge misconception between the perceived cost of holiday destinations and the actual costs.

The study of 30 popular holiday destinations revealed that India was perceived to be the cheapest country, however in reality the former British colony is only ranked in sixth place, proving more expensive than many popular tourist destinations including Morocco, Thailand and Portugal. While the study revealed the Dominican Republic to be the cheapest country, once the cost of flights is factored in a very different story is revealed. The Dominican Republic slips to sixth position (although is the only long haul destination in the top ten), while Poland takes the coveted top spot, closely followed by Spain.

Portugal is number nine in perceived country cost ranking, but number seven on actual country cost ranking and number five in actual country cost ranking including flights.

Some locations that are cheaper than perceived are: Sweden, Japan, Iceland and Ireland. Locations that are more expensive than perceived are: Brazil, USA, Croatia and Egypt.

Though Sweden was fairly accurately perceived to be the most expensive, it actually came in fourth. Other nations, such as Japan, predicted as fifth most expensive, but were actually 14^th. This proved that tourists are not always aware of the true cost of a destination before they arrive. Holidaymakers were unaware of the deal they could get in Iceland, which was ranked as the fourth most expensive destination, but in fact was revealed to be ninth cheapest. The cost of holidaying in Ireland was also overestimated and was believed to be one of the most expensive destinations (position 23). It was, in fact, the 10th cheapest.

Brazil is a prime example of misconception. The South American nation was the second most expensive in the study, but was thought to be far cheaper.??Other popular holiday destinations underestimated in cost by the public were USA, perceived as 10th cheapest, but actually 21st, and Croatia, thought to be the eighth best value, but is actually much lower in 19th place. Possibly due to the continuing media spotlight on Egypt and its cut-price travel deals, Egypt showed a major disparity. It was perceived to be the fifth cheapest destination and was revealed to be far more expensive, ranking in the 12^th position.

Not surprisingly, when the cost of flights is factored in, the bottom ten positions are all occupied by long haul flights. Australia, Brazil and South Africa occupy the top three spots in the overall cost ranking. The impact of the price of long flights making a difference on total cost is best illustrated by New Zealand, which jumps from 13th cheapest to fourth most expensive destination. This reinforces the fact that those on a budget should balance the cost of a long haul flight with a destination, which is cheaper when they’re actually there. Other countries can benefit from the flight routes offered by budget carrier. Italy, for instance, goes from the 11th most expensive destination to become the 12th cheapest once the cost of flights is added to the total price. Likewise, Sweden improves 12 places from 27th position to 15th.

The study also shows that many holidaymakers are not aware of the prices in their own “backyard.”? The United Kingdom was perceived as the seventh most expensive destination in the study, but a holiday in Brighton was actually found to be just outside of the top ten cheapest destinations, in position 11. Even considering that some “staycationers” may opt to fly, therefore factoring in the cost of flight prices from Glasgow to London, the UK becomes the eighth cheapest country in the study.

“This study goes to show that it is hugely important for tourists on a budget to research all the various costs of holidaying abroad before deciding on a destination, rather than relying on their instinct for costs.  Most importantly, consider the price of the flight as it can have a real impact on the overall cost,” Skyscanner’s Sam Poullain said. “Those looking for real value should head to Poland. A fantastic all year round destination, winter sports are offered in the Tatra Mountains, while beautiful beaches can be found in the northern area near Gdansk, not to mention the great city break destinations of Poznan and Krakow.  Add to that the choice of cheap flights and it really is the perfect destination!”

Actor, Jeremy Irons will star in Night Train to Lisbon. The film is being co-produced by Studio Hamburg Production and Zurich-based C-Films. Eurimages has put approximately $2.9 million into Night Train to Lisbon so far, and there is also federal and regional funding in Germany, which includes $427,000 from Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg. Irons was just in Neil Jordan’s The Borgias television series and is currently shooting The Words with Bradley Cooper, Olivia Wilde, Zoe Saldana, Ben Barnes, Dennis Quaid, John Hannah and J.K. Simmons. That film is written and directed by Brian Klugman and Lee Sternthal.

For those who do not know what a Caralhota is, is a home-made bread, that i mouth-watering when accompanied by stone soup with a steak or simply with butter. The name of this delicacy comes from the Ribatejo town of Almeirim, and is popularly called Caralhotas as in the lint from wool. It starts with a hot oven to bake the bread. For those unfamiliar with these delicacies, we strongly suggest you try it.  As for Almeirim, the Portuguese Court chose it as a summer resort 400 years ago. Today, farming is still the region`s main economic activity, with the cultivation of tomatoes, melons and huge vineyards that produce a renowned red wines.  Aslo typical of Almeirim is the famous sopa da pedra (soup of the stone), the recipe for which, according to tradition, was invented by a cunning friar who visited the houses of the area with a stone, with which he would show how it was possible to make an excellent soup. When the water of the pan in which the stone was “cooking” had started boiling, he would ask for one more ingredient to give it flavor (which might be salt, sausage, beans, potatoes…) and in this way he tricked the local people. A video is available here.

The Blandy family of Madeira is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the founding of the family firm this year.

Set in historic Ponte do Lima, heart of the Minho (Porto e Norte Region), Carmo’s Boutique Hotel will open in February 2012 and offer 12 luxury rooms and 3 suites and also offer  private transportation between the airport and the Hotel as well as Porto and Vigo. The Hotel will offer luxurious spaces with contemporary touches of architect Carvalho Araújo. The hotel will offer its guests exclusive:

- cultural and culinary tours, to the cities of Porto, Braga, Guimaraes, Viana do Castelo, and some of the idyllic local villages

- Rural buggy trips, horseback riding, , wine tasting, golf, horse riding, visits to famous wine estates of vinho verde

- a luxurious spa with aromatherapy baths and exclusive 100% goat milk baths.

Contacts:

Tel: +351 918 789 560
info@carmosboutiquehotel.com

http://www.carmosboutiquehotel.com

Lisbon recently received the award for best international cruise port. For 2011 Lisbon was also nominated for Europe’s Leading City Break Destination, Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination, Europe’s Leading Cruise Port and Europe’s Leading Destination.

Just 20 miles from Porto, on the banks of the Douro River and in the region of Castelo de Paiva,  the new Douro 41 Hotel is being built. This hotel is all contemporary architectural with simple and attractive lines, harmoniously integrated into the natural surroundings. The interior design has been made to offer stylish settings that are intimate and comfortable. The rooms, the restaurant and the SPA will face the river and offer a panoramic view from sunrise to sunset. At the restaurant, regional cuisine has undergone a gourmet evolution, and at the SPA, the benefits of treatments inspired by water are revealed. The private marina opens onto an area that extends from the Carrapatelo to the Crestuma dams and is ideal for unforgettable jet ski and boat trips, and the practice of diverse water sports such as water ski or canoeing.

The Intercontinental Hotel Group, in partnership with Solitaire Hotels, is considering opening a new unit  in the Douro region. At about month and a half before the opening of its first five-star hotel in Portugal – Porto Palace Intercontinental Cardosas – the group now wants to create a hotel in the Douro region, seen  as a prime tourist destination in the northern area of Portugal.

In 1911, Marie Curie won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry,  a new Constitution was voted in by the Portuguese Republic, the Escudo became the official currency, Sunday was decreed a compulsory day of rest, and Tomar opened the Café Paraíso. Paradise Cafe was born May 20, 1911, at Rua Serpa Pinto, in Tomar, the property “of Thomar Empreza of Paradise” consists of five members. Later only Manuel Cândido Mota remained the owner of the establishment, and since then, the cafe Tomar never left the hands of the same family. Under the current management, the Paradise Café began operating at night too, as bar is open until 2 a.m., is today one of the calling points are essential in Tomar at night.

The L’AND Vineyards Resort that recently opened in Montemor-o-Novo was just awarded the prize for best tourism business in the Portuguese Real Estate National Awards.
The prize was awarded by a jury of experts in the property sector, who evaluated aspects such as originality of each project, and its integration into other urban and architectural qualities. This project built by Sousa Cunhal Tourism used a team of dedicated architects and landscape architects including Carrilho da Graça, João Nunes Ferreira, Peter Markle, and Marcio Kogan .
In accepting the award, Jose Cunhal Sendim, CEO of Tourism Cunhal Sousa, said that “such initiatives allow us to recognize and encourage quality new projects in Portugal and we are proud that the Sousa Cunhal Tourism got this award more. We feel that L’AND VINEYARDS is increasingly recognized both nationally and internationally as a most prestigious and unique project.
L’AND VINEYARDS was opend on April 30th. With wine theme, L’And Vineyards is a 5-star resort that includes a hotel with 22 suites, extended, and 145 units of residential tourism

Porto Belo Market - Plaza Carlos Alberto – Every Saturday throughout the summer, between 2 and 8 p.m., Plaza de Carlos Alberto becomes the meeting point of stamps, postcards, organic jams, old dishes, clothes, vintage jewelry, works of authors, books on the Port, sweets, wine, CDs and Vinyl. Based on London’s Portobello Market, this Porto Belo was born in 2009 and wants to distinguish itself through diversity by attracting all types of audiences.

Shop Clerigos Market – Rua Candido dos Reis -Since March 2008, the last Saturday of each month this street market takes place one month, the Mercadinho of Clerics, where all kinds of author pieces are stimulating public space with moments of animation, music and performances. For additional information about markets, antique fair, organic produce, plants and flowers visit

Conrad Algarve, the first luxury “resort” group in Europe, will be inaugurated on September 1, with 134 rooms. Prices are not yet defined, but the presidential suite “should” cost between 3,000 to 3,500 euros per night, while the remaining prices in hotel rooms or suites will vary between 260 euros “to the maximum” of 700 euros. Conrad Algarve, a five star hotel located in Quinta do Lago, will open its doors on September 1, with an investment of 150 million euros. Conrad Hotels & Resorts will open its first resort in Europe, through a management contract for 20 years with the group Imocom. The hotel has 20 suites and ten private residences. The master suite, Roof Garden Suite with 300 square meters, has a swimming pool with a jacuzzi in the room and direct access to the SPA.

Garden and floral enthusiasts will enjoy checking into one of the Quintas da Madeira, ten of the island’s finest boutique hotels, all located in stunning gardens (Quintas).

The emerald-green, volcanic archipelago of the Azores is a haven for nature lovers and divers. Great whales and graceful dolphins can be seen from above the water whilst below there is a rich marine biodiversity to discover.

Europe’s most famous secret, the Algarve will host the third round of the FIA GT1 World Championship from 6th to 8th May.

British Airways have announced their inaugural flight from London City airport to Faro will depart on 7th June 2011.

The Sao Marmede Natural Park, on Portugal's frontier with central Spain, is one of Europe's best kept secrets. Life has changed little in the picturesque villages where bread, cheeses and regional wines are still produced in traditional ways.

Renowned holiday destination the Algarve is preparing to dish up a range of gourmet delights as part of the inaugural Algarve Chefs Week.

Croatia, Portugal or Turkey – with savings of up to £100 per person – is the offer this Spring Bank Holiday from singles specialist, Friendship Travel.

The Tejo River as a tourism product is the new challenge of Ollem, Quinta da Palhota, School of Hospitality and Tourism Lisbon, wines from Quinta do Falcão. The Tejo River, boats, Avieiros and culture, as well as cuisine, wine and horses are some of the products presented.

The Green Lince Hotels & Resorts group is the new owner of the Lido Atlantico Hotel in Funchal, renamed The Lince Madeira Atlantic Lido Hotel, a four star hotel with 74 rooms. The Lince Hotels & Resorts group also has a unit in Ponta Delgada, the Lince Azores Great Hotel Conference Golf and SPA. When contacted by Publituris, the group’s president, João Silva, would not reveal the amount of the acquisition. He explained that since the forming of the group four years ago, the objective has been to acquire two units in the space of two to three years. The group had been searching for an opportunity in Lisbon, but ended up closing the deal in Funchal.
The process of full integration of the Hotel is  on track and should be completed within 30 days.

The June  2011 issue of Travel + Leisure brought good news for those seeking the best of Portugal. The Olissipo Lapa Palace in Lisbon took top honors in the Readers’ Poll for the Best Service of any hotel in the WORLD with a near perfect 99 points.

And, the Vidago Palace, made the ” It List: The Best New Hotels 2011.” The magazine said:

Northern Portugal’s dramatic Douro Valley wine region now has a resort to match.Vidago Palace, an hour¹s drive northeast of historic Porto, is located in a Belle Époque mansion with 70 guest rooms decorated with Portuguese embellishments (hand-loomed rugs; traditional cement tiles).
Vidago is an ancient spa town with famed natural springs, and the resort takes advantage of those mineral-rich waters in its 21,000-square-foot spa, designed by Pritzker Prize­winning architect Álvaro Siza. Parque de Vidago, Vidago; 800/223-6800; vidagopalace.com; doubles from $202.