17 March 2017 FATIMA, PORTUGAL — Representing the Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Ambassador Evelyn D. Austria-Garcia attended the opening session of the 5th International Workshop on Religious Tourism from March 09 to 10 in Fatima, Portugal.
“Religious tourism is an important sector of the Portuguese tourism industry and I am pleased to note that tour operators from the Philippines are regularly invited to participate in these workshops as the Philippines offers opportunities and good potential as a market and destination for religious tourism due to its strong Catholic history, faith and traditions,” Ambassador Austria-Garcia said in sharing her views about the workshop.
Ambassador Austria-Garcia also expressed her appreciation to the Business Association of Ourem-Fatima (ACISO) for their continuing support for the participation of Philippine tour operators in these workshops as it is important that members of the Philippine tourism industry get this opportunity to gain valuable insights and best practices concerning this market and develop useful contacts and networks.
The workshop which was held from March 09 to 10 was organized by the Business Association of Ourem-Fatima in cooperation with the Municipality of Ourem and the National Tourism Agency of Portugal (Turismo de Portugal). Opinion leaders from different markets (Brazil, USA, Poland, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, United Kingdom, Sweden, Russia, Germany and Mexico) participated in the event along with hundreds of delegates representing national tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers and other tourism entrepreneurs that focus on Religious Tourism. END
