In November, Porto and the North of Portugal proudly participated in the first-ever Out of the Country Meeting of the Canadian Association of Tour Operators (CATO), held in Alentejo.

Why does it matter? The Canadian Association of Tour Operators unites Canada’s most influential tour operators. Market Manager Maria Branquinho presented Porto and the North’s unique offerings to 18 Presidents and CEOs of Canada’s top tour operators, showcasing why our region is a must-visit destination.

Sustainability and seasonality—challenges and opportunities shaping the future of tourism—were front and center in these vital discussions.

Canada is one of our fastest-growing markets, with Porto and the North seeing a 38.5% increase in Canadian visitors in the first four months of 2024 compared to 2023.

In addition, it is important to mention that Air Canada will launch flights from Montreal to Porto in 2025, joining TAP Air Portugal, Air Transat, and SATA, further strengthening connectivity and opportunities with Canada.

A heartfelt thanks to the Turismo de Portugal team in Canada and Turismo do Alentejo for this collaborative event, paving the way for more growth in Portuguese tourism.