A number of Portuguese celebrities are in negotiations to participate in a new drive to boost the country's tourist trade.

According to the Portugal Resident, football manager Jose Mourinho is one of the people who is expected to be unveiled as one of the faces of the government campaign.Since he is well known internationally after his successes with Chelsea and Porto, it is hoped that Mourinho can help encourage people to consider the country as a holiday destination.

Champion athlete Vanessa Fernandes was also named as a likely participant, as she is reported to be in negotiations with the country's tourist ministry.

The campaign will be centred around the popular Algarve resort and is expected to cost more than three million EUR.

If the scheme is successful in boosting visitor numbers, the property market is also likely to benefit from increased demand, thereby boosting investment prospects for foreign buyers.

A separate drive to enhance the country's holiday industry was recently announced by Portugal's tourist office, which said it would be working with their Spanish equivalent to draw people to both nations.