This year, the spotlight will once again focus on Portugal as a host of high-profile events…
This year, the spotlight will once again focus on Portugal as a host of high-profile events are set to take place on the country`s shores.
14-16 May will see the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards return to Estoril for the second year running bringing together some of the biggest names in the business to honour the finest sportsmen and sportswomen of the year. Recognised as the premier honours in the international sporting calendar, the decision to hold the Awards in Portugal once again follows last year`s highly successful event that saw a host of high profile names, including football legend Luis Figo and Hollywood actors Michael Douglas and Morgan Freeman, descend on the famous Estoril Casino for the glamorous ceremony.
There are six British nominees in this year`s line-up, including Olympic hero Dame Kelly Holmes, nominated for the prestigious Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, and the young boxer Amir Khan in the category of Laureus World Newcomer of the Year. Marathon runner Paula Radcliffe has also been nominated for Laureus World Comeback of the Year, whilst the world-record breaking yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur is in the running for the accolade of Laureus World Alternative Sportsperson of the Year. Portuguese football team FC Porto, meanwhile appear in the line-up, nominated for Laureus World Team of the Year following their victory in last year`s European Champions League.
Championship Golf will also feature strongly in Portugal`s sporting calendar this year, highlighting Portugal as a destination capable of staging world class sporting events, November will see some of the world`s top golfers head to Portugal`s Algarve for the 2005 Algarve World Cup in Portugal. Due to be held at the Victoria Clube de Golfe, Vilamoura from the 15-20 November, this prestigious tournament will bring representatives from over 24 different nations to compete for the sought-after World Cup trophy and their share of the staggering minimum prize fund of US$4,000,000. Highlighting their commitment to hosting high profile sporting events and to golf tourism, the Portuguese National Tourist Board has committed €12.4 million towards a two year pan-European promotional plan ensuring that Portugal is at the forefront of consumers` minds as a golfing destination.
It is not only high-profile sporting events that will be taking place in Portugal this year. The 3rd November will see some of the biggest names in music head to Portugal`s capital as the illustrious 12th Annual MTV Europe Music Awards makes its debut appearance in the country. Staged at the prestigious Atlantic Pavilion in Lisbon, music lovers will be able to catch a glimpse of their favourite artists as they perform what is sure to prove an unforgettable show on Portugal`s biggest stage. Highlights of last year`s show in Rome included dazzling live performances by Eminem, Usher, Alicia Keys and Gwen Stefani, while its stunning line-up of legendary artists who have performed over the years includes U2, Madonna, Beyonce and Christina Aguilera.
Following last year`s highly successful European Football Championships, Portugal has firmly put itself on the map as a country capable of staging world-class events. Portuguese National Tourist Office UK Director, Jose Antonio Preto da Silva, comments: We are honoured to be hosting some of the most high-profile events in the music and sporting industry and we are delighted that Portugal is being recognised for its ability to stage such events with both care and originality. We hope that this year will further highlight our excellent reputation and we look forward to hosting many more events in the future.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
