MONTREAL — The partnership between Transat and Portugal partnership is flourishing – and all signs point to this strong collaboration continuing for years to come.

Recently Transat and Turismo de Portugal hosted a small group of travel professionals at the Portuguese consulate in Montreal to discuss the upcoming summer season of this increasingly popular destination.

In Portugal, Transat offers 15 city packages between Porto and the Algarve via Lisbon, and two multi-city packages: Lisbon & Porto and Porto & Lisbon (with mixed flights and train travel between cities).

With the momentum of a years-long presence in Portugal, Transat is offering new tours this year to meet demand (French-language from Montreal): Lisbon and its Hidden Treasures (7 nights); and Gems of Portugal from Lisbon (7 or 14 nights).

Marjorie Larose, Transat’s Sales Manager, Quebec & Ottawa, added that Transat’s 14-day ‘Portugal Your Way’ continues to be a big hit this year. “It’s our best-seller, and you really need to book early because it fills up fast,” she said. The trips starts in Porto and then heads to Lisbon and the Algarve, returning via Lisbon. In each destination travellers have plenty of time to explore independently.

While Transat offers guided tours and combined tours in Portugal (and elsewhere in Europe), self-guided tours are very popular.

“What people are looking for with these tours is language assistance for the transportation and an introductory orientation tour before being left to explore the cities, eat where they want, etc. The hotel and breakfast are included, and the guide is always available to sell excursions and activities if needed,” said Larose.

“THE NUMBERS KEEP GOING UP!”

Portugal’s popularity in the Canadian market seems to know no bounds. “In 2024, we saw a 17% increase over 2023 from Canadian travellers, both in terms of overnight stays and the number of visitors,” noted Inês Almeida Garrett, Director of Turismo de Portugal in Canada. “I guess we’re doing something right because the numbers keep going up!” 

In addition to the sunshine (300 days a year in the Algarve), the reasonable cost of living, the friendliness of the population, art, architecture and history, Portugal is attracting more international visitors for its wines, cuisine and the vibe of its major cities.

“I like to say that Lisbon is a kind of ‘new-old city’: it has a young, artistic vibe, but its setting is that of old Europe,” said Larose. “I feel almost the same about Porto, in recent years. There’s a lovely mix of locals and young visitors in a historical setting, with the old Porto wine cellars and the facades of the city.” 

Credit: Gary Lawrence

“Portugal welcomes foreigners with open arms,” added Almeida Garrett. “The people are kind and warm, ready to fulfill your wishes and help you have an unforgettable stay. I invite people to visit with an open heart, to discover our wines, gastronomy, and traditions, and to embrace our rich and unique culture. Let go, relax, enjoy its tranquility and calm. Portugal is a small country that’s easy to explore!”

STRONG AIRLINE CONNECTIVITY

A big part of Portugal’s tourism success is the efficiency of the airlines that connect the country to the rest of the world, including Air Transat, which plays a major role.

“It’s the only carrier serving our three international airports: Lisbon, Porto, and Faro,” said Almeida Garrett. 

“Portugal is an extremely popular destination,” confirmed Jhadyd Gonzalez, National Sales Manager, Air Transat. “We have direct flights year-round from Montreal and Toronto [to Lisbon in the first case, Lisbon and Faro in the second], as well as seasonal flights to Porto.”

While Lisbon performs very well and demand is strong year-round, it’s especially strong in the summer. This year, the carrier expects even higher traffic, possibly due to Canadian travellers booking away from the U.S., and certainly boosted by the weakness of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar.

Speaking of the U.S., Gonzalez offered his take: “For now, flights to the U.S. are still filling up well. I wanted to go to Fort Lauderdale next week, and the planes are fully booked!” 

AIR TRANSAT: SIX-TIME WORLD’S BEST LEISURE AIRLINE

Once again nominated for the title of World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, Air Transat hopes to win the title again this year.

“It’s a prize that’s especially appreciated because it’s the passengers who vote, so it’s a nice recognition from the public when we win, and a testament to their great loyalty to us,” said Gonzalez. 

Faro – Credit: Gary Lawrence

CLUB CLASS STILL A HIT

Not quite Business Class, and not at all Economy Class, Air Transat’s Club Class continues to attract a lot of fans.

“Personally, I would describe it as a Premium Economy class that’s close to Business Class,” said Gonzalez. “It’s very popular, and there are only 12 seats, so they tend to sell out quickly.” 

Credit: Gary Lawrence

In addition to the larger, pre-selected seat, checked luggage, priority check-in and boarding, Club Class offers more substantial meals and added comfort. 

“Typical clients vary depending on the destination, but generally speaking, they are travellers who want to indulge themselves,” said Gonzalez.

NEW THIS SUMMER

Gonzalez also spoke about Air Transat’s network beyond Portugal, including new routes that the carrier will launch next summer.

“In June, we will begin service to Valencia, which will be our fourth Spanish destination, as well as a Toronto-Berlin route,” he said.

This article originally appeared at ProfessionVoyages.com, part of The Travelweek Group