Lisbon, January 25, 2016
Registrations for the 4th APECATE Congress taking place at the recently opened Montebelo Vista Alegre Hotel in Ílhavo on January 29th and 30th are still open.
The main theme, “Capturing Business” will be reviewed from many angles by a variety of speakers of national and international prestige. Two days of intense debate will tackle such issues as:
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The internationalisation of companies
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New problems brought to the development of tourism by urban zoning
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The advantages and risks of using new technologies in managing business deals and promotional activities
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Support programmes for the modernisation and qualification of companies
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Portugal’s image in the world as an open-air tourist destination
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Tax issues which most concern companies involved in congresses, animated tourism and events.
The Sunday morning will be devoted to unmissable socialising and relaxation. This will include the discovery of the delights presented by the Vista Alegre complex, its history and all that now points to its future.
Business people, representatives of public entities and associations, consultants and students, are already the key public targets of this great Forum which has the support of the Visabeira Tourism Group, Central Portugal’s Regional Tourism Agency and of the Ílhavo Municipal Council.
Ana Mendes Godinho, the Secretary of State for Tourism has already confirmed her presence at the Congress Opening Session which starts at 15.00 on Friday the 29th.
WELCOME from Ana Barbosa, President of APECATE’s Board
“Discussions analysing the factors which determine Portugal’s attractiveness and competitiveness are exhausted!
We now all know what distinguishes and differentiates us, what we should count on regarding as our singularities and the unique products we can offer in conjunction with our territories.
But something is missing. What, in fact, prevents us from capturing more and better business opportunities? If we have so much in our favour why is there a widespread feeling on the part of congress and event organisers, as well as the companies dedicated to tourist animation that, in the external market, there is still a lack of full understanding and appreciation of our know-how, our resources and what we can do, better than anyone else!
Is it only a problem relating to promotion? Is there a deficiency associated with the image of Portugal as a destination? Or, are there other realities we must consider and resolve? What is our share of the European market? Are we taking full advantage of our business opportunities? Do we have clear ideas of what, in capturing business, belongs to the public and to the private sectors?
It is these and other questions of great relevance to all our areas of activity which the APECATE 4th Congress must – and will – address.”
