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The Portuguese Minister for Tourism will visit the UK to launch a major promotion campaign to stimulate tourism to Portugal...

Bernardo Trindade, the Portuguese Tourism Minister, will be visiting the UK to help promote tourism to Portugal during the economic downturn.

With the credit crunch expected to have a serious effect on travel bookings in 2009, Portugal will embark on a joint promotion effort aimed at both consumers and the trade, working closely with tour operators across the UK.

During his visit the Minister will meet with tour operators and airlines and encourage them to attract British tourists to Portugal in the coming year, by strengthening and diversifying their operations.

He said, "The tourism market is facing tough times across the whole of Europe. However, Portugal is committed to overcoming these challenges by investing in the promotion of our country in the UK, and maintaining our status as a popular tourist destination."

Reflecting the importance of attracting foreign visitors to Portugal, 2009 has seen a 20 per cent increase in the allocation of funds to the promotion of tourism, representing the biggest public push the country has ever undertaken in this area.

Source: www.visitportugal.com