Tourism Team - People's Republic of China

​​​The Turismo de Portugal team in the market develops a set of activities aimed at the trade, press and opinion leaders, to promote Portugal as a destination and support the commercial action of Portuguese tourism companies. It focuses particularly on the detection of commercial opportunities, as well as acting with a view to enhancing the destination’s visibility and reputation, either through brand activation or public relations campaigns. Its performance is strongly based on knowledge, through the constant search for technical information and connection to knowledge networks.
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// The market

Air connectivity to Europe is ensured from major Tier-1 cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Shenzhen, with multiple daily flights operated by leading Chinese, Middle Eastern and European airlines. Total flight times, including stopover, range from 18 to 21 hours.   
Depending on the IATA season, there are between two and four direct flights per week between Portugal and the People’s Republic China, connecting the cities of Lisbon and Hangzhou. The route is operated by the airline Beijing Capital Airlines, with an approximate journey time of 13 to 14 hours. 

People’s Republic of China passport holders require a Schengen visa to travel to Portugal. Groups of more than six people may obtain an ADS (Approved Destination Status) tourist visa, through a duly accredited local tour operator. Citizens holding passports from the Macao and Hong Kong Special Administrative Regions do not need a Schengen visa.  It is recommended that any commercial approach involving stakeholders in the Chinese source market be done using materials translated into Mandarin. The existence of proven previous experience in welcoming Chinese is ideal. 

Portugal has four diplomatic missions in China, located in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Macao and the Turismo de Portugal, I.P. Team is based at the Consulate General of Portugal in Shanghai. 

China is the world's largest source market for tourists.  The demand for all-inclusive group package travel focuses on itineraries that include touring in Portugal and Spain, with a duration of between 10 and 14 travel days. The preferred accommodation option for this segment is 4-star hotels.  The number of tourists traveling as individuals has been growing. Local digital travel and hotel search platforms, as well as social media, are the preferred channels for booking a trip. 
 
The highest demand comes from Millennials and Generation Z travellers, who have high levels of education and disposable income, and residents in the main urban centres. Heritage, culture, shopping in the main capitals, gastronomy and wine tourism stand out among the main reasons for travelling to Europe and Portugal. 

Safety, as well as the ability that destinations demonstrate in welcoming Asian visitors, are mentioned as the main concerns when it comes to making a final decision. ​

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// Location
People's Republic of China – Shanghai
​P​ortuguese National Tourist Office
Consulate General of Portugal in Shanghai
16th Floor, Crystal Century Tower, 567 Wei Hai Road
Shanghai 200041
​Tel: 0086 21 6288 6767
Coordinates: 31º 13' 36,93" N | 121º 27' 46,65" E​
E.mail: Info.China@turismodeportugal.pt​