Photography: Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images
Ericeira was one of the eleven wave-based destinations highlighted in Portugal’s stand on the 34th edition of FITUR – International Tourism Fair of Madrid, which took place from the 22nd to 26th of January. The Tourism of Portugal placed high emphasis of the surfing theme this year to promote the country at one of the industry’s most important world fairs.
The main attraction of the portuguese presence at Pavilion 1, with 818 square meters, was the simulation of a giant wave with a blue canvas, where slid the youngest members of the portuguese entourage in Madrid. Garrett McNamara, the north-american big wave rider made famous by his sessions in Nazaré, was also present in FITUR as an embassador for Portugal and also took his chance at this “giant wave”.
In an edition dedicated to surfing, the portuguese promotion held a map of the portuguese mainland which signaled the 11 wave-based destinations, showcasing their location and main features as surfing spots: height of waves, wind directions and the difficulty of each wave.
Ericeira, Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve, was one of the signaled destinations, alongside Praia da Barra, Matosinhos, Carcavelos, Guincho, Peniche, Nazaré, Figueira da Foz, Carrapateira, São Torpes (Sines) and Tavira.
Also in the portuguese stand it could be found a replica of the Volkswagen “Hippie Van”, an icon associated with the sport for over 50 years, and several young sportsmen, who explained the activity as touristic bet.
This theme and focus on surfing to promote Portugal followed fado (2012) and “living in a portuguese neighborhood” (2013), the promotional themes that led to Portugal winning the best FITUR stand award in their corresponding editions.
At the portuguese are, besides surfing, were presents several portuguese regions with high touristic potential – Porto and the North, Center of Portugal, Lisboa, Alentejo, Algarve, Madeira and the Azores – and 40 portuguese companies, including the hotel industry, and travel and tourism agencies.
Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)
