Interview with Helena Gonçalves, Porto Convention Bureau and Joao Marinho Falcao, Réceptive Vinitur

Helena Gonçalves - The event was of great benefit to us. The investment programmes required to be selected have transformed Porto into a modern city, with an airport ranked among the best in the world, an efficient metro system and emblematic buildings, including the Casa da Musica by Rem Koolhaas... The revival of tourism dates from this pivotal period, with the enhancement of the heritage of the historic centre, an adapted accommodation offer and, here and there, new shops, art galleries and night spots that we were lacking.

Joao Marinho Falcao - Firstly, its authenticity. The centre of Porto is home to some major historic monuments, but it is also a place inhabited by many working-class families. This means that it is not petrified or museum-like. We're not at that stage of development where artists and hipsters take over the city centre. In the medieval alleyways, the washing dries in the windows, neighbours talk to each other, chickens are kept in the backyards, and a whole range of local shops keep the neighbourhoods alive... Visitors appreciate this naturalness, because it is unexpected and 'exotic' in the hypercentre of a major European city.

Helena Gonçalves - Our geographical location is an asset. Porto boasts a seafront, the banks of the river and the mountains of the Douro valley. When it comes to incentives, these are all great locations to make the most of.

Joao Marinho Falcao - We are a destination of excellence. It's a little-known fact that, port wines aside, the Douro is an appellation that regularly sees some of its wines ranked among the best in the world by institutions such as the Parker Guide. Recently, a British critic singled out the region as one of five wine destinations alongside Bordeaux, Cape Town, Napa Valley and Tuscany. The operations include tastings in the quintas... Participants are amazed at the level of quality. All the more so because they come face-to-face with straightforward owners who take the time to explain their products. These encounters become magical moments.