Thirty travel agents - 15 each from Canada and the U.S. - are waking up in Evora, Portugal this morning, ready to take on the 'Amazing Race-style' challenges of the Air Canada-United Airlines Race, a one-day competition in this UNESCO World Heritage city.
TravelPulse Canada is represented along with five other North American travel trade media members, and we'll participate alongside the agents in games, scavenger hunts and skill-testing questions designed to show off their knowledge of the event's sponsors - Air Canada, United Airlines and Visit Alentejo.
Air Canada, United Airlines and Visit Alentejo representatives welcome U.S. and Canada agents to the 2023 AC/UA Race. (Bruce Parkinson)
The team that completes the circuit of skill-testing activities will win a prize from the sponsors valued at over $1500 each.
Air Canada has held this competition most years going back to 2006. This year marks the first collaboration with United Airlines, AC's partner in trans-border and international travel.
On arrival yesterday, group members enjoyed a sumptuous buffet lunch of Portuguese specialties at The Evora Hotel, before checking-in to Vila Gale Evora, the lovely resort-style property that is home base for the race.
A local guide escorts Air Canada-United Airlines race participants on a tour through the cobblestoned streets of Evora, Portugal. (Bruce Parkinson)
After that, the group set off with a local guide on a walking tour of Evora's historic centre. We strolled the narrow, cobblestoned streets of this city of 50,000, honoured by UNESCO for its well-preserved 16th-century homes, Roman temples and medieval cathedral.
Two millennia of buildings are represented in this shot of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora, Portugal. (Bruce Parkinson)
The day after the Air Canada Race, agents will enjoy a workshop with local tourism and hotel partners, followed by a series of three-day post-race FAM tours. Also on hand for the event is Ines Almeida Garrett, Director Canada for Portugal Tourism.
Look for more coverage of the race tomorrow, and follow our social media channels for more pictures and updates.
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