USTOA explores Portugal for its Out of Country Board Meeting

22.05.2024 - 11:51 / traveldailynews.com / Vicky Karantzavelou / Education

The USTOA held its pivotal board meeting in Portugal, fostering US-Portuguese tourism partnerships and exploring cultural sites, backed by Visit Portugal and prominent airlines.

NEW YORK – The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) held its Out of Country Board Meeting in Portugal from April 14 to 21, 2024. A group of 23 senior executives representing USTOA tour operator members convened for an in-depth experience sponsored by Visit Portugal and co-hosted with Visit Center of Portugal. The visit was co-sponsored by Delta, TAP Air Portugal and United Airlines.

The week-long mission kicked off with a full day of business development meetings and roundtable discussions, followed by a buyers and suppliers marketplace hosted by Visit Portugal. Thirty-four local Portuguese suppliers from hotels to ground operators met one-on-one with attending tour operators to build and nurture meaningful partnerships.

“Visit Portugal and Visit Center of Portugal were stellar hosts who put together an enriching program for our tour operator members that included historic, cultural and natural experiences, along with opportunities to engage with members of the travel and tourism industry in meaningful ways,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO of USTOA.

Throughout the week, USTOA Active Member executives visited a number of historic and cultural cities and towns throughout Portugal from Lisbon to Alcobaça, Nazaré, Óbidos, Tomar, Fátima, Dão Wine Region, Santar, Viseu, Aveiro and Costa Nova.

USTOA Chairman Dana Santucci, executive vice president of EF Education First, said, “There are so many highlights from the week, especially the engaging discussions around sustainability, and the opportunities to foster new connections while exploring some of central Portugal’s breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, cultural wonders, and hidden treasures.”

Attendees explored Portugal with a schedule of activities including visiting the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Alcobaça, wine tasting in the Dão Region’s vineyard gardens, a walking tour of Aveiro, and much more.

“The 2024 USTOA Out of Country Meeting event held in Portugal represents a pivotal moment for Visit Portugal to showcase the diverse and rich offerings of our country, especially in the Center of Portugal,” stated Carlos Abade, president of Visit Portugal. “By hosting this influential gathering, we aimed not only to strengthen our connections with major US tour operators but also to illuminate the unique opportunities that our local suppliers presented. Through such partnerships, we are crafting a more dynamic and inclusive narrative for Portugal’s tourism, ensuring that every visitor can enjoy a truly authentic and memorable experience.”

Raul Almeida, president of