The importance of the Lisbon Tourism Exchange (Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa, or BTL) for the tourism industry in Portugal is undeniable. According to the Portuguese Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (Associação Portuguesa de Agências de Viagens e Turismo, or APAVT), the last edition of BTL in 2022 had about 70,000 visitors, including 42,000 professionals, and more than a thousand exhibitors.
BTL is a unique opportunity for companies and organizations in the tourism sector to promote their products and services, establish contacts with potential clients and partners, and learn about the latest trends and innovations in the market. Additionally, the fair is a privileged platform for promoting national and regional tourism, as well as for disseminating the country’s culture, gastronomy, and heritage.
One of the most relevant points of BTL is its economic impact. According to a study by the consulting firm PwC commissioned by the AIP Foundation, BTL 2019 generated a direct economic impact of 44.2 million euros, representing an 8.6% increase over the previous year. Additionally, it is estimated that the fair generated over 700 temporary and permanent jobs. Another important point is the promotion of sustainable and responsible tourism. BTL has been promoting more and more initiatives and projects aimed at the environmental and social sustainability of tourism, such as the certification of sustainable events, the promotion of nature tourism, and support for nature and cultural heritage conservation projects.
