Évora named guest municipality of Portugal’s biggest tourism fair in 2027

Évora has been chosen as the guest municipality for the 2027 edition of the BTL – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market, Portugal’s largest tourism fair.

The announcement means the Alentejo city will enjoy a prominent presence at the 37th edition of the event, which takes place at Lisbon’s Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) from March 3 to 7 next year.

Speaking to Lusa news agency, Évora mayor Carlos Zorrinho described the selection as recognition of the city’s growing importance as a tourism destination.

“It is recognition of all the potential Évora has,” he said, highlighting the city’s rich heritage, culture and historical legacy, as well as its increasing appeal to visitors.

Zorrinho noted that the designation comes at a particularly important moment, with Évora set to hold the title of European Capital of Culture in 2027.

“The visibility Évora will have at BTL will also reinforce the European Capital of Culture project,” he said, adding that visitor numbers are already expected to rise significantly next year.

The mayor argued that the benefits of the designation would extend beyond the city itself, helping to showcase the wider Alentejo region.

“We are promoting not only Évora, but also Central Alentejo and our region. We are going to take Alentejo to the world and bring the world to Alentejo,” he said.

Évora’s participation in the event will be coordinated with several regional partners, including the Évora 2027 Association, the Alentejo Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR), the Regional Tourism Board, the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, the University of Évora and the Intermunicipal Community of Central Alentejo.

According to Zorrinho, the partnership will help maximise the opportunities created by the designation and ensure the city benefits from being in the tourism spotlight throughout the year.

“We will be able to take full advantage of the fact that Évora will be on display not only during the fair itself, but throughout 2027 as part of Portugal’s tourism promotion efforts,” he said.

BTL attracted a record 85,000 visitors in 2026, according to organisers, who said the event continued to strengthen its international profile and attract destinations, companies and tourism professionals from around the world.

Alongside Évora as guest municipality, the Lisbon region has been selected as the national guest destination for the 2027 edition of the fair.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.