Turismo de Portugal is implementing a plan to increase the flow of tourists from Russia and currently is working with a leading tour operator in Russia.
As reported last week the Algarve is to welcome 9,700 Russian tourists this summer arriving on charter flights organised by Natalie Tours.
It now has been confirmed that the top 250 Russian travel agencies will be visiting Portugal for a congress and to look around at the tourist potential of the Algarve region, and also Lisbon.
Natalie Tours has extensive experience as a tour operator and Turismo de Portugal claims to be supporting its efforts and is busy pushing residential tourism on www.livinginportugal.com which handily is available in Russian. This site promotes Portugal as a place to live, and suggests the purchase of accommodation in various tourism developments belonging to the Associação Portuguesa de Resorts including Castro Marim Golf & Country Club, Longevity Wellness Resort, Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, Monte Santo, Onyria Palmares Beach & Golf Resort, Pestana Carvoeiro, Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, Pinecliffs, Vilalara Thalassa Resort, and Amendoeira Golf Resort.
Russia is a strategic market for emerging domestic tourism given its high purchasing power and strong growth. The Golden Visa programme is especially tempting for many Russians, few of which will be landing on package tours.
The holders of Golden Residence Permits have the right to bring their families over too, and may gain access to a permanent residence permit, as well as to Portuguese citizenship.
For the purposes of renewing a residency permit, people have to show they have resided in Portuguese territory for a minimum period of just 7 days, either consecutively or non-consecutively, during the first year, and 14 days in subsequent two year periods. Hardly onerous, and with various tax breaks the Russians may really soon be coming, both as tourists and residents.
See also: http://www.algarvedailynews.com/news/1568-algarve-the-russians-are-coming
