Pousadas de Portugal celebrates 75th anniversary
The unique Pousadas de Portugal tourism product has celebrated its 75th anniversary with a Gala Dinner in the stunning Throne Room of Queluz Palace.
The event brought together more than 100 guests including Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Secretary of State for Tourism Ana Mendes Godinho, and some of the most important personalities in Portuguese tourism, politics and economy.
The first Pousada de Portugal was inaugurated on 19 April 1942 marking the birth of a crucial brand for Portuguese tourism and culture, and there are now 33 units scattered across the country. The Pousadas de Portugal are synonymous with culture, history and tradition, and designed to help preserve and protect of some of the most important traits of the Portuguese identity.
Dionísio Pestana, president of Pestana Hotel Group (second from left) with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (third from left), Secretary of State for Tourism Ana Mendes Godinho and other delegates at the Gala Dinner
The brand is managed by the Pestana Group, and features a portfolio of palaces, convents and castles, and their history and tradition goes beyond the buildings to incorporate culinary habits and local heritage, according to Luis Castanheira Lopes, president of the Pestana Pousadas Group.
He said: “This was a time of gathering and celebration of the memories of an iconic hotel chain, which has in its buildings and employees a heritage of immeasurable value.
“We have honoured 75 years of history that have taught us many lessons so we can stay focused on our core mission – to provide our usual quality service while maintaining an unbreakable commitment to the preservation of Portuguese culture and history. As far as Pousadas de Portugal is concerned, it is very clear that only by respecting our past can we project an even better future.”
The 75th anniversary celebration will extend throughout 2017 with several initiatives extolling the historical and human heritage of Pousadas de Portugal.
