I recently attended a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) three-day ‘Destination Showcase’ event in Porto, which was attended by over 100 delegates from across Europe.
We started Day 1 with a short river cruise tour by Tomaz do Douro Company that has been sailing on the Douro River for 25 years, being one of the pioneer companies in this sector it was wonderful to get the history and experience of sailing on the Douro as we sailed beneath the six bridges and along the banks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Lunch Followed at Restaurant near the port
Followed by Conference and very enjoyable networking and trade fair event
In the Evening we had the first of two hosted dinners were also held, at The Porto Cruise Terminal
Drinks Reception , Dinner Music and Dancing was the order of the night with some spectacular views from the magnificent Cruise Port Terminal Building
Day 2: Attendees could visit and tour either an ocean cruise or river cruise ship, highlighting Porto as a gateway for both options.
Delegates on the ocean experience boarded the ultra-luxury Seabourn Ovation.
Those who chose the River Cruise Options were first treated to a impressive immersive experience with some samples of the exquisite cuisine served on board and a free flowing drinks reception featuring some of Portos finest port and wines along with some fresh juices.
Lewis Quigley and Hotel Manager gave a ship tour of the Emerald Cruises-operated - Emerald Radiance whose accommodation and public areas wowed all who toured.
The travel agents were then hosted for lunch at a local restaurant, to continue the immersive destination experience just a short stroll from the ship .
after lunch we boarded the MTS coach again for our next river cruise experience this time
a wonderful offering of afternoon treats were served onboard Uniworld Boutique River Cruises-operated S.S. Sao Gabriel followed by a wonderful ship visit with Brian and Lee
as hosts .
On Day 3 Delegates had the opportunity to join local tours and excursions, with options including 'Historic and Modern Porto' or a Vinho Verde tasting experience.
I chose the Vinho Verde experience which was a wonderful choice read more Here
Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “Porto is a highlight of many ocean and river cruise holidays, so was the perfect location for this hugely-important event in the industry calendar. The first-hand knowledge of all delegates, including travel agents, means they will now be even better-served to recommend and sell cruise holidays and destinations.
“Many thanks to all attendees, as well as everyone in Porto for giving us such a warm welcome.”
The Showcase was sponsored by Visit Porto & North Portugal, Port of Leixões, Area Metropolitana do Porto and Mail Metro Media, in collaboration with TAP Air Portugal.
This was a most enjoyable experience and highly reccommended . It will not be my last visit to Porto. I stayed in Seaporto Hotel and in the 4 Points by Sheraton Matosinhos.
Two Excellent hotels highly recommended.
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