Some 8,870 people, with a staggering 1,000 visitors in the first half-hour on Sunday, poured into Portimão’s new exhibition centre at ExpoArade over the weekend to find out why it really is Better Living in Portugal (BLiP). BLiP, now in its sixth year, brought together an array of products and services with the aim of enhancing business opportunities and levels of customer satisfaction here in Portugal.

Filling 372 spaces, 253 exhibitors were on show, offering advice in a diverse range of areas including finance, property and insurance. Others demonstrated the latest technology and developments in pools, electronics and interior design, while innovative new methods in sports therapy and health care were also on display, among many others.

The new arena at the Parque das Feiras e Exposições provided the perfect setting for the exhibition. Constructed in a mere six months, the visitors were amazed by how impressive the new exhibition centre looked from both inside and out.

Many of the exhibitors were thrilled with the overwhelming interest they received from visitors as they gave out flyers and chatted to passers-by. The broad range of products and services ensured there was something for everyone, creating an exciting and animated atmosphere for all.

AFPOP President, Christopher Stephen, opened the event on Saturday morning. He welcomed people to the event before giving Faro Civil Governor, António Pina, a tour of the exhibition with British Consul, Bill Henderson, President of Almancil Rotary International, Leif Axelsson, AFPOP Vice-President, Henrique Pinheiro and AFPOP CEO Michael Reeve.

Pina said he was very impressed with the new building and described how the event had improved once again. The civil governor attended BLiP for the first time last year and reiterated his initial sentiments saying: “These events where the Portuguese and English come together are very important for the Algarve.”

As he explored the grounds, he expressed his pleasure at the noticeable interaction between the two communities, saying: “This event always brings people together and I am delighted to be here once again to be part of its continuing success.”

Once he had finished the tour, a small reception was held in his honour before his departure.

source: the resident