Lisbon's Old World Charm and Modern Marvels

The Portuguese capital has been named one of the best destinations to visit and one of the most affordable, too, according to Best Vacations, and this also goes for conferences. Combining the best of both worlds, Lisbon blends city life with a beach destination (just 20 minutes from the city centre), all with affordable rates and a welcoming spirit when it comes to hosting visitors. As Lisbon Convention Bureau manager Alexandra Baltazar says, "We are moving forward towards the future, proudly promoting our rich heritage. The river and ocean are part of the destination; we make people feel at home."

From Belém, the spot where Portuguese sailors set off to discover the new worlds in the 15th and 16th centuries, to nearby Sintra with its hills lined with European Romantic architecture in the form of villas and former palaces, Lisbon is rich with historical sightseeing options. On the more modern side of the spectrum, the city is following the lead of other major European capitals' conference facilities to create a new congress centre within walking distance of many of the hotels. Ranking one of the top 10 destinations for association conferences on the ICCA rankings for the past 10 years, Alexandra Baltazar puts it perfectly in saying, "Lisbon is a very competitive destination, especially regarding the hotel structure; we are excellent organizers and the destination offers an enormous variety of experiences for the delegates attending the conferences."

As to incentives, possibilities are legion. Either riding an old timer car or a motorbike sidecar, on board of a double decker or a vintage tram, you can discover the city and its many ways and lanes, from the Edward VII park to the Avenida da Liberdade to the heart of Lisbon passing the main squares. On a cruise on river Tagus, you will get a completely different idea of the city built on the hills, especially since you can have a very private party on board of the ship. The famous rally das Tascas is also an option, as well as cooking or wine lessons, treasure hunts and various teambuilding activities with speedboats and regatta. It seems simply whatever you think Lisbon has it.

Turismo de Lisboa Visitors & Convention Bureau
www.visitlisboa.com