The launch of the new direct LOT Polish Airlines route between Warsaw and Porto marks an important step in bringing Porto and the North of Portugal closer to the Polish market, a market that has shown steady growth and increasing interest in the region for both leisure and MICE travel.

From May 25-28, Porto and North of Portugal - Convention & Visitors Bureau, in collaboration with the Visit Portugal delegation in Poland, hosted a dedicated Familiarization Trip. Represented by Patrícia Morris, Convention Bureau Coordinator, and Maria Branquinho, Market Manager, the programme welcomed 12 travel trade representatives from the leisure and MICE segments, alongside representatives from LOT Polish Airlines and Visit Portugal.

During four days, participants explored a diverse range of experiences across the region, including Braga, Guimarães, Porto, and Vila do Conde. The itinerary combined cultural heritage, gastronomy, wellness, active tourism, and meetings infrastructure, while also creating opportunities to connect directly with local tourism stakeholders.

A special highlight was the networking session held at Pestana Douro Riverside, bringing together 12 of our members: Vincci Hoteles, Hoti Hotéis, Vila Foz Hotel & SPA, Kodawari Residences, Vidago Palace Hotel, Hotel Solverde Spa & Wellness Center, Timbre Hotels, Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa, PortoBay Hotels & Resorts, The Social Hub Porto, Infante Sagres Porto, and Hotel Meira.

This fam trip was organised in partnership with Local by Clube Viajar, with transport services provided by Anetours, and included valuable contributions from several regional partners throughout the programme. A special thank you to the members and partners who contributed to the success of this initiative: Alfândega do Porto Congress Centre, Axis Ofir Beach Hotel, Eurostars Santa Luzia, Forte de Gaia, Autograph Collection, Matriarca restaurant, Mónica Nogueira, Pestana Douro Riverside, Portugal Green Walks, The Lince Santa Clara, Vila Galé Collection Braga, WOW, Braga Municipality, Guimarães Municipality, and Vila do Conde Municipality.