
Alto Tâmega and Barroso Tourist Office celebrates five years
Today, September 17, the Alto Tâmega and Barroso Tourist Office (PTAT) celebrates five years of promoting tourism in the region. Since its inauguration in 2020, this facility has established itself as a true gateway for those seeking to discover the region’s rich heritage, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
The numbers speak for themselves. To date, the PTAT has received more than 65,000 visitors, a significant milestone that reflects not only the growing attractiveness of the region, but also the fundamental role of this structure in boosting the tourism sector in Alto Tâmega e Barroso. This constant flow of visitors demonstrates the strategic importance of the office as a point of information and tourist guidance.
An analysis of data from the last five years reveals an upward trend in visitor numbers, particularly during periods of peak tourist demand. Cultural and heritage attractions remain the main reason for visiting, accounting for the largest share of visitors to the PTAT.
At the same time, there has been a notable increase in demand for information about thermal products, especially since the opening of the Aquae Sallutem Complex, which has seen a greater influx of visitors in the last year. The National Road 2 continues to be a strong attraction, with many visitors seeking information and picking up their passports.
In terms of visitor nationalities, Portuguese visitors naturally represent the majority, followed by Spanish and French visitors, with the most common age groups being 40-50 and over 60, an audience that traditionally values cultural and heritage tourism.
Over the past five years, PTAT has become a true showcase for local culture and traditions. The infrastructure has hosted a wide variety of thematic exhibitions, ranging from traditional crafts to regional festivities, including gastronomy and local products.
The cultural program has also included live demonstrations of craft techniques, tastings of local products, music festivals and events, as well as receptions for organized groups.
More than just a tourist information point, the PTAT has become a strategic element in promoting the region, also working “outside the box,” namely through the presence of the Intermunicipal Community of Alto Tâmega and Barroso at national and international fairs, such as the Lisbon Travel Market (BTL), Xantar, INTUR, and FITUR, not to mention regional fairs in the territory itself.
The PTAT’s five years of activity represent only the beginning of a journey that looks increasingly promising. With a rich territory and growing tourist demand, this infrastructure will continue to play a central role in welcoming and guiding visitors.