Destination Champion

What is a Destination Champion? We believe that the best way to add value to our clients is to understand their requirements and recommend destinations and venues based on our own personal knowledge. We are curious and want to see what’s new and we aim to visit our key destinations a least once a year and review over 15 venues in each location. Katharine Jordan Email: katharine@trinityconferences.co.uk Phone: 01780 484050

Lisbon

Lisbon is a great destination for conferences and events. It is the historic capital of Portugal. It is spread across seven hills with views of towards the Tagus river and the only European capital with sandy beaches 20 minutes away from the city centre. Sintra, a mountainous area half an hour away. The climate is never too hot in summer and lots of warm sunshine in the winter. The city has competitive prices and offers good value for money, the cost of living is lower than in most Europe and Lisbon is placed among the European major cities with most competitive accommodation rates. It is a friendly and safe city – considered one of the safest capitals in the world and a very tolerant one thanks to centuries of experiencing different cultures.

Why I would recommend Lisbon

I love this city and have placed various meetings and conferences for clients here, all of which have been successful although they have been very different. Lisbon is a great alternative for groups who have been to Barcelona, Madrid and the south of France and want to experience something different, but with good weather and value for money.

Key Attractions

What are the main things to see and do outside of the conference setting, nightlife, places of interest, cultural experiences, festivals etc. Also, times to avoid ie Congresses, Exhibtions etc.

Infrastructure and Transport

Lisbon airport is 4½ miles from the city centre and there are more than 40 international flights daily. Most flights arrive in the morning, so as Lisbon is on the same time as UK and gains an hour from the rest of Europe, it is easy to have a group there to start a meeting/event with lunch. It is quick and easy to get through the airport on arrival. The transfer is 10 minutes to the nearest hotels eg Corinthia, Sana Myriad at Nations Park and 15 minutes to the city centre eg Sheraton, Tiara Park and 20 minutes to the river/castle. Taxis are quite cheap and a metro or tram fare is €2. For a group of 4 people it is as cheap to travel by taxi as on public transport. The hotels at Estroril, Cascais and Sintra are 30-45 minutes transfer. For an incentive group it is possible to organise a speed boat transfer, by taking the group from the airport to the river and delivering their luggage directly to the hotel. It’s a great to see a bit of the city and surrounding area and a different way to arrive.

Excursions

It is possible to see the city on foot, by moped or tram 28 takes in some of the major sites of the city. There are four main areas to see in Lisbon: Alfama – a very old district with narrow, cobbled streets and at the top there is Sao Jorge Castle with views of the city Baxa and Avenida – Commercial Square is on the river and the area has shops, pavement restaurants and is busy in the day time. Barrro Alto – shops, restaurants and bars, accessible by elevator from Baixa and the place for lively nightlife Belem – river walks along the Tagus with the Belem Tower and St Jeronimos monastery and the bakery/café which makes Lisbon’s traditional custard tarts. Group activities include sailing or speed boats to Cascais and Estoril, cookery classes, wine/port/madeira tasting, visits to museums, the St Jeronimos Monastery, Sao Gorge Castel, Pena Palace at Sintra, off road driving etc