NEW YORK, NY (November 27, 2007) – The tourist offices of Portugal and Spain have announced the launch of Portugal? Spain? Both. (http://www.portugalspainboth.com). Designed to promote tourism, this new online guide to the Iberian Peninsula serves as a tool to educate consumers interested in traveling to both destinations, along with the most competitive travels deals.

Intended to increase awareness about Portugal and Spain, the user-friendly site features an interactive game called “Exploria” - created to provide a fun interactive experience while learning about Portugal and Spain. The virtual journey game (available for a limited time) allows consumers to test their knowledge about both countries, and offers participants the opportunity to win “The Ultimate Vacation Experience to Portugal and Spain.”

“This new site provides a truly engaging experience and is a major step in how we market the two destinations to the world,” Javier Piñanes, Director of Tourist Office of Spain. “We are extremely delighted in the launch of Portugal? Spain? Both.. What better way than to offer consumers the chance to learn and test their knowledge about the two destinations that share the Iberian Peninsula, all in one resource.”

Also serving as a comprehensive guide with destination highlights on what to see and do in both countries, the Portugal? Spain? Both. site promotes arts and culture, wine and cuisine, beaches and spas, sports and golf information, special events and direct links to tourism partners.

“We know consumers are interested in Portugal and Spain – two unique destinations that boast numerous cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes and varied cuisine,” said Eduardo Souto Moura, Managing Director of Portuguese National Tourism Office. “With the new site, we also now have an innovative way to educate and entertain them, with the most comprehensive information, the best travel deals and an interactive tourism experience.”

Consumers who participate in “Exploria” will be given multiple questions about each country’s unique features. The game will then direct participants to the official tourism website for Portugal (http://www.VisitPortugal.com) and the official tourism website for Spain (http://www.Spain.info) to locate the right answers. If all the questions in the challenge are answered correctly, participants will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the grand prize – an ultimate vacation to Portugal and Spain. (Other great Iberian Peninsula prizes will also be awarded.) With new game challenges posted each week and unlimited chances to win, consumers are encouraged to visit Portugal? Spain? Both. as often as possible through December 31, 2007 12:00 a.m. EST – when the “Exploria” interactive challenge will end.




About Portugal? Spain? Both.

Portugal? Spain? Both. (http://www.PortugalSpainBoth.com) is the official U.S.A. website for Spain and Portugal joint marketing campaigns to promote tourism. Funded by partnership subscriptions, commercial activity and by the two governments, the site promotes and markets Spain and Portugal as one destination to leisure visitors, and works closely with strategic partners.

About Portugal & Spain

Today’s Portugal is home to a thriving culture of fashion, music, food, and art, while remaining a meeting point for people worldwide. Its new nightclubs are some of the liveliest in Europe and its new bistros blend the pillars of Portuguese food with globally inspired new flavors. Modern designers are bringing bold fashions, impressive new architecture to blend with the historic ambiance of the cities, and new museums of contemporary art. Portugal is the closest point in Europe to the United Sates and it’s easy to get to and to navigate. Blessed with a mild climate year-round, an excellent range of sports awaits the active traveler. Golf in Portugal is considered world-class, and more courses are frequently being added. Every corner of this country is rich with historical attractions.

So far this year, Spain has seen a 23 percent increase in the number of Americans visiting. They come to experience firsthand the country’s art, architecture and its tremendously rich culture. The Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Moors and Jews all left their marks on the cultural mosaic that is Spain’s civilization. Yet beyond the centuries-old castles and cathedrals and charming unspoiled villages, Spain’s cities now have a cool, modern vibe with hip new design hotels and trendy restaurants. And throughout the country, architects are designing dramatic airports, stunning new museums, state-of-the-art performing arts centers, spectacular wineries and mega-yacht marinas. For today’s travelers, Spain offers a pulsating energy, non-stop nightlife, friendly people and arguably the best cuisine in the world.

Press Contact:
Inna Shamis
Travel Spike
(973) 610-7895
inna[@]travelspike.com