Fiscal incentives for good construction policies (Silver Coast - Portugal)

The City Hall of Obidos (Silver Coast - Portugal) is finalising a regulation of tax incentives for buildings that are made taking into account its sustainability. These incentives translate themselves into reductions in the amount of tax payable on the Municipal buildings or other fees.

This measure appears through the project Obidos Social Carbon, which aims to implement 24 measures that have as their main objective to contribute to 40% fall in emissions of greenhouse gases by 2020.

The announcement was made by Humberto Marques, councillor for the Environment, during a seminar devoted to the Environment and Nature, sponsored by the Obidos School of Advanced Studies of Tourism (ETUR) in the auditorium of the House of Music, June 27. This regulation is now being finished and will be released anytime soon.

During the seminar, were presented by Luis Rodrigues, the new courses of this school, which are "Eco tourism and Energy Certification", "Best Practices for Energy and Water Management in Tourism" and "Waste Management and Waste Water Treatment."

The first course has the duration of 16 hours (for two Saturdays) and plans to address the bio-climatic architecture, which allows substantial savings in energy consumption of buildings. This happens through air conditioning, lighting and ventilation. The course has the price of 195 euros.
The course of "Best Practices for Energy and Water Management in Tourism" is to the fact the invoice to pay for these two aspects in hotels is very high. "The costs of energy and water occupy the second place of bills to be paid on lodging, then human resources," said Luis Rodrigues.

The trainees will be able to structure a system for a tourism organization that includes details on the management of energy and water. The price of tuition is 97.50 euros (eight hours).

The third course aims to respond to growing legislative requirements in the area of waste and water treatment

The completion of these courses is subject to the number of entries received. Luis Rodrigues stressed that the courses are practical, so people will know what and how to do.

Medieval Market of Obidos dedicated to Love and War

The 2008 edition of the Medieval Market of Obidos (Silver Coast – Portugal), 10 to July 20, will have more space and more animation.

The park's Village, opened on June 5 - World Environment Day, will stage a wide range of activities, including an International Meeting of Groups of Historical Recreation and "Medieval Hunts." The entrance of the Medieval Market will be the Port of Talhada, through the park.

"O Amor e a Guerra" (Love and War) is the theme of this Year’s Medieval Market of Obidos, which will have two distinct areas: a more rural one in the Town Park, with weapons and camps, and a more urban one, by the Castle wall, with new design.

The International Meeting of Groups of historical recreation joins seven groups of six European countries: Portugal, Spain, Poland, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Germany.

Also in the Village Park will take place medieval tournaments and hunting. A novelty in this year's edition of Obidos Medieval Market, where those interested, dressed accordingly, with arrows, bows and crossbows will have to shoot (and adjust) on targets in three dimensions, mimicking animals.

The wooded area is bounded by a rope for security reasons. This activity is subject to a paid membership. A kind of medieval "paintball" that promises to attract many visitors.

The Park will also stage the Village of exposure of individual animals, including horses, donkeys among others.

Another novelty in the 2008 edition is the parade of Medieval Costumes, on July 19, by 21:00, by the Castle wall.

The costumes are the same as those used in mainland Europe in the centuries XII, XIII and XIV, and represent either the economic and social classes of that period.

During the public presentation, a jury, composed of five experts in the field of history, will examine the costumes, with particular attention to the historical accuracy of the design, manufacture of quality craftsmanship and accessories.

The three best costumes will be distinguished, being ranked the best and rewarded with the offer of a voucher for purchases amounting to 500€ in the company's products "The Master of Arms" (www.omestredearmas.com).

Even the children were not forgotten in this event, with a space to play in the Auditorium of S. James, with traditional board games and face painting.

Like previous years, the entire animation will happen in different places, without appointment. The entry is five euros, except for householders, children under 12 years and people dressed the season.


Schedule

Week-ends - from 12.00 to 24.00

Day 10 - from 18.00 to 24.00

Other working days - from 17.00 to 24.00

Hunt with bow and beast is novelty in Medieval Market

The recreation of a medieval hunt and the presence of historical recreation group camps, from six European countries, are the news for this year's edition of the Medieval Market of Obidos (Silver Coast – Portugal), to be held from 10 to 20 of July, with the theme "Love and War - The Light and Darkness."

Hunting is a exciting activity aimed at a young audience and that is a game where participants (by turn or as a team), dressed at the time and armed with crossbows or bows, will have to look in a large wooded area, bounded by a string for security reasons, several targets in three dimensions represent traditional animals, looking for scoring, hitting at a distance of twelve meters. This activity is subject to a paid membership.

In view of such activities and regarding the need to meet the needs of many thousands of visitors, the existing Town Park of Obidos situated in the south, will be used, increasing significantly the area usually occupied.

The “tasquinhas” (small restaurants) will be disseminated through the enclosure. The area used for the medieval hunt will be in an area near the wooded area of Lica. The Mocharro area will be adapted for animation purposes.

Like last year, the entrance of the premises will remain the Port of Talhada and the output will be the Port of Santiago.

In contrast to the camps area, which represent the most rural and military aspects of the middle Ages, in the area of the Fence will be mounted a stage, designed to recreate the daily life of a medieval city.

On July 19, at 9 o’clock of the afternoon, will be held a parade/ contest of medieval costumes, which should correspond to the ones used in the European continent during the XII, XIII and XIV centuries, and may represent any economic and social class of that period.

The three best costumes will be distinguished, with the costume better classified being awarded with the offer of a voucher for purchases worth 500 euros in the company's products "The Master of Arms".

The daily ticket costs five euros and is free to local citizens, children under twelve years and people dressed according to the Medieval times.

The event runs on day 10 from 18:00 to 24:00 and in the remaining working days from 17.00 to 24.00 and the week-end from 12.00 to 24.00.

10th anniversary of chariots in Obidos

On last 15th of June, was celebrated ten years on the beginning of service of tour operators in Obidos, the Charretes do Oeste, the company Greenservices-Environmental Projects, Ltd.

The first chariot was a old wagon from the end of the XIX century that belonged to Azeredo Perdigao, that he used on his trips to Obidos, from his farm at Ferraria in Amoreira.

Today this collector’s car, of almost incalculable value, is stationary, leaving only on very special occasions.

The Charretes do Oeste offers two cars in permanent service throughout the summer time, which runs from June 15 to September 30, and the remainder work for week-ends and holidays.
To celebrate the anniversary, a Charriot was made available, designed for the transport of children, to perform "The anniversary stroll" which went from the Tourism Park to the Village Gates, descended to the hostel Josefa de Obidos, passed underneath the Water Aqueduct and returned to the Park, completely free, in homage to children because so many times, thank to their help selling a circuit to the parents.

This car didn’t stop since 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., strolling through the kids and mothers that wanted to monitor.

In the remaining Chariots was offered to all a 50% discount. And from time to time, accompanied by an accordion player in the Chariots, the famous "Mr. Martins."

There will be some more activities to celebrate this anniversary. The Obidos Patrimonium supported this and other proposed initiatives, such as music, opera, and lunch meeting with chariots in motion and guided tours to Obidos.

Silver Coast - Portugal hosts International Golf Meeting

These days Portugal is a top reference golf destination in Europe. The quality and diversity of their courses (many of them signed by names of world reference), the quality / price ratio, the know-how existing operating, and the climate and safety factors are competitive at the destination. “This is one conclusion of the first International Meeting of Golf, held in Praia d'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort at Obidos on days 5 and 6 of June.

The event, sponsored by the Tourism Agency of Portugal, also concluded that "it is essential that the supply of golf presents himself as a distinctive and integrated experience" and that for that to happen "are the various dimensions to be taken into account", namely " the landscape of exception, the design of the field as part of that leverage and a landscape of golf unforgettable experience, the icons of the distinctive environment, quality and customization of services available to golfers, quality and variety of supplementary provision, aimed primarily to their associates, knowledge of the market and promoting the destination, cooperation in the organization of supply, the media exposure - of fields (such as areas of unique experiences), the sport (as sport in harmony with nature) and international sport events (demonstrating the quality and reputation of the destination) ".

Moreover, it is intended that there are "increasing the number of Portuguese players," pointing to as "essential to ensure sustainable development of existing supply," so that "the municipalities, the sports structures, the golf courses and administration are required to find the best solutions for boosting domestic demand for golf. "

The chairman of the Portuguese Golf Federation, Manuel Agrellos, recalled that, while there are about 70 million golf players in the world, in Portugal there are only 20 thousand.

The chairman of the agency Tourism of Portugal, Luis Patrao, revealed that the country will have by 2010 a hundred golf courses, making Portugal a qualified destination for golf.

Also present at the meeting, Severiano Ballesteros, who was one of the best players in the world, praised the quality of golf courses in Portugal.

The Spanish ensured that he ended his long and brilliant career in professional golf, not even seeing the possibility of playing in the Senior Tour (for players over 50). He now dedicates himself to family and drawing golf courses.

European tour operators visit the Silver Coast, Portugal

On days 1, 2 and 3, of June, took place a professional visit to the Silver Coast and West region of Portugal, by 20 tour operators from several European countries, particularly Germany, United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Spain.

It was undertaken in cooperation with tour operator in Portugal DMC, one of the largest suppliers of customers for the western region.

At the choice of the DMC, the hotel Marriott Beach d 'El Rey, in Obidos, hosted large part of the event, where he held a workshop between "vendors / suppliers", also extended to companies in the area of Estoril and the Blue Coast.

Were also visited the Westin Hotel Campo Real and its golf course, the Quinta do Sanguinhal, where there was a wine tasting, Obidos and the bar Ibn Errik Rex, where he was sampled the ginja (cherry liquor) of Obidos, the Golden Eagle golf course, the Bom Sucesso golf course design, to open in September, the Laguna de Obidos and Cape Carvoeiro. There was still time for a golf tournament in Praia d'El Rey Golf Resort.

These promotional trips fall into the philosophy of bringing the Silver Coast, West Region to the eyes, ears and stomach of some of the top European tourism operators.

Walking for Cultural Diversity at Obidos

The village of Obidos (Silver Coast-Portugal) was coupled with the celebrations of the European Year for Intercultural Dialogue with the completion of a journey on the morning of May, the 25th.

This initiative resulted from a challenge of the High Commissioner for Immigration and Intercultural Dialogue at all places Centers Support Integration of Immigrants (CLAII) existing in the country.

The organization of the trek was in charge of CLAII of Obidos. The initiative was also supported by the assembly 753 of the Boy scouts of Obidos and Joaquim Elias Timoteo Carlos (who provided the pieces of fruit distributed by the participants at the end of the trek).

The location and route were chosen based on the theme of walking. The town of Obidos, one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal, is an excellent example of the intersection of diverse cultural influences, not only in the past, with the various civilizations that passed through this place, but also in this, where many foreign nationals seeking this county to live or visit.

The definition of the route concerned accessibility for all who wished to participate, regardless of age or physical preparation.

The hike had around a hundred participants, aged between 2 and 77 years of age and several nationalities.

The meeting point was in the tourist office of the village of Obidos, where t-shirts were distributed to all participants. Some tourists wanted to join the walk. On arrival, each participant received a certificate.

Portugal - Silver Coast Tourism and Hotel School Awards

Students of the Tourism and Hotel School were awarded

Cristina Cordeiro, attending the course of post-secondary training in techniques of Tourism, and Valter Ribeiro, attending the Advanced Course in Pastry (also post-secondary, first and only offer of training in this area throughout the country), are students of the Tourism and Hotel School of the West – Obidos (Silver Coast – Portugal), and were in the spotlight at the Tourism Inter-School Contest of Portugal, held at the premises of the Tourism and Hotel School of Lamego, from 7 to May 9.

In the open area of tourism, Cristina Cordeiro was the winner, demonstrating technical skills, professional and relational that, in addition to guarantee her first place immediately put in focus the work of the Obidos School at EHT Oeste, which only began their activities two years ago.

This student will represent the Tourism Schools of Portugal in the competition for tourism, called the meeting of the European Association of Tourism Schools (international training contests), to be held in Kuressare, Estonia, in October this year.

In the area of Pastry, Valter Ribeiro failed to achieve the first place (the prize went to a student of the local Tourism School of Lamego), but the creativity demonstrated by this couple led the jury to make an exception and for the first time in these competitions, the Tourism of Portugal distinguished a competitor with a Honourable Mention.

Valter Ribeiro is a native of Alfandega da Fe, relocated to Obidos with the specific purpose of attending the Advanced Course of Pastry, for it is only in this town that there is the possibility of obtaining a professional qualification at level IV in Pastry.

Students of the Tourism School were awarded

Cristina Cordeiro, attending the course of post-secondary training in techniques of Tourism, and Valter Ribeiro, attending the Advanced Course in Pastry (also post-secondary, first and only offer of training in this area throughout the country), are students of the Tourism and Hotel School of the West – Obidos (Silver Coast - Portugal), and were in the spotlight at the Inter-School’s of Tourism of Portugal Contest, held at the premises of the Tourism and Hotel School of Lamego, from 7 to May 9.

In the open area of tourism, Cristina Cordeiro was the winner, demonstrating technical skills, professional and relational that, in addition to guarantee her first place immediately put in focus the work of the Obidos School at EHT Oeste, which only began their activities two years ago.

This student will represent the Tourism Schools of Portugal in the competition for tourism, called the meeting of the European Association of Tourism Schools (international training contests), to be held in Kuressare, Estonia, in October this year.

In the area of Pastry, Valter Ribeiro failed to achieve the first place (the prize went to a student of the local Tourism School of Lamego), but the creativity demonstrated by this couple led the jury to make an exception and for the first time in these competitions, the Tourism of Portugal distinguished a competitor with a Honourable Mention.

Valter Ribeiro is a native of Alfandega da Fe, relocated to Obidos with the specific purpose of attending the Advanced Course of Pastry, for it is only in this town that there is the possibility of obtaining a professional qualification at level IV in Pastry.

Students of the Tourism School were awarded

Cristina Cordeiro, attending the course of post-secondary training in techniques of Tourism, and Valter Ribeiro, attending the Advanced Course in Pastry (also post-secondary, first and only offer of training in this area throughout the country), are students of the Tourism and Hotel School of the West – Obidos (Silver Coast - Portugal), and were in the spotlight at the Inter-School’s of Tourism Contest of Portugal , held at the premises of the Tourism and Hotel School of Lamego, from 7 to May 9.

In the open area of tourism, Cristina Cordeiro was the winner, demonstrating technical skills, professional and relational that, in addition to guarantee her first place immediately put in focus the work of the Obidos School at EHT Oeste, which only began their activities two years ago.

This student will represent the Tourism Schools of Portugal in the competition for tourism, called the meeting of the European Association of Tourism Schools (international training contests), to be held in Kuressare, Estonia, in October this year.

In the area of Pastry, Valter Ribeiro failed to achieve the first place (the prize went to a student of the local Tourism School of Lamego), but the creativity demonstrated by this couple led the jury to make an exception and for the first time in these competitions, the Tourism of Portugal distinguished a competitor with a Honourable Mention.

Valter Ribeiro is a native of Alfandega da Fe, relocated to Obidos with the specific purpose of attending the Advanced Course of Pastry, for it is only in this town that there is the possibility of obtaining a professional qualification at level IV in Pastry.

New property solutions

The Royal Obidos Golf Resort (Silver Coast – Portugal) will be one of the two ventures of the group Ocean in Portugal that will adopt a new solution of fractional ownership, in which it will be possible unlimited use of housing and services associated within the group.

This solution, called Prestige Fractional Ocean, is also available for residential units of Vilamoura Golf Resort & Garden and will be presented in London.

In traditional fractional ownership acquired the property can only be used on specific dates, being unavailable the rest of the year to be leased and explored.

In this alternative to each "villa" are associated eight owners, who may use unlimited, more flexible, units of five stars of the group Ocean, and access to concierge service, transfers, a golf club, among others.

This flexible fractional ownership already has been practised since 1992 in the USA, where the group Ocean as part of this solution provides the Little River Golf & Resort (in North Carolina).

In the Portuguese market, the flexible fractional ownership will be available in Vilamoura, from 250 thousand euros per fraction, and in Obidos, from 175 thousand euros per fraction,

The Royal Obidos Golf Resort is a partnership between the MSF and the Ocean Group, has been classified by the Portuguese Agency for Investment with the status of Project of National Interest (PIN).

The venture will have a golf course designed by Severiano Ballesteros and includes a hotel and holiday villages of four and five stars. It is still scheduled to be built with a club-house facilities for leisure, golf academy, tennis club, Spa and Health Club, multipurpose sports area, country club with room for nursery and children's games, cyber cafe, library, restaurant and bar and shopping.

Built on an area of 130 hectares, the Royal Obidos provides for the construction of 620 residential units and 2,252 beds, whose development will be divided into several phases. The planned total investment is 160 million.

1st International Meeting of Golf

The Tourism of Portugal promotes from the 5^th till the 6^th of June, in Obidos (Silver Coast –Portugal), the 1^st International Meeting of Golf - Portugal, a destination of competitive golf. At the meeting will be presented cases of national and international success in the design and management of golf courses and promoting the country as a competitive destination for the practice of the sport.

The meeting is aimed at entrepreneurs, investors, managers and other industry players of the golf course, between public and private entities, and with the attendance of Secretary of State for Tourism, Bernardo Trindade, President of Tourism of Portugal, Luis Patrao, the chairman of the Tourist Region of the West, Antonio Carneiro, President of the Portuguese Golf Federation, Manuel Agrellos, and the Deputy Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Regional Development, Maria da Graca Saraiva.

During two days, the Praia d'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort in Obidos, receives conferences of several personalities of reference of the sport, as Severiano Ballesteros.

The international meeting falls within the National Strategic Plan for Tourism (PENT) that defined golf as one of ten products which will increase the development of domestic tourism.

Creative Communities for the Silver Coast

The application "Creative Clusters in Urban Areas of Low Density", recently approved by the European Union, will be led by the Municipality of Obidos (Silver Coast - Portugal). It was one of the 24 approved applications, among 120 projects across Europe.

This is a partnership with four European cities (Reggio Emilia - Italy, Mizil - Romania, Enguera - Spain and Catanzaro - Italy), and aims to enhance the economic, social and territorial dynamic’s of low density areas, with creative activities functioning as motors of the local communities.

It will be then extended in a second phase, another five to seven partners, three of which need not be cities. The draft budget will be 710 thousand euros for the two phases: the first stage (development), with a period of 6 months and the second phase (implementation), with duration of 30 months).

The project is based on the assumption that the creative activities can be the driving force of economic development as well as social and territorial cohesion of small towns, against the traditional trend of exodus of the population (particularly the young population) for big cities. The creative activities, in addition to generating employment, create value and promote integrated local economic development, have also to take up as central strategies in marketing or affirmation of the image and identity of cities and/ or regions, can make it become more attractive to the establishment of new businesses, residents and visitors.

In this context, the goal is, first, attract creative people (including families of young talent, creative adults undergoing change of career and retired assets…) and, secondly, attract small businesses in the areas of creative design, crafts, Art, antiques, music, advertising and architecture, which are the result of entrepreneurship assets of talents who want to live and work in these creative communities.

Silver Coast translates for Quality...

The National Council of Ministers approved the partial suspension of the Municipal Director Plan of Obidos, for a period of two years.

A measure, that provides ease pressure on urban ecologically sensitive areas, particularly near the coastline and the Lagoon. A government resolution published in the Daily Republic; identifies preventive measures, "aimed at the development of projects of high quality and sustainable development of the area, which involves the reduction in the rate of construction planned in the Municipal Directorate Plan in force."

Preventive measures are the ban on the holding of any urban operations, except those for the creation of holiday villages and Hotels that respect the constraints imposed, in particular with certain index of construction and environmental surroundings.

Quality development is the future for Obidos and Silver Coast in general.

Obidos, Researchers prepare solutions for sustainability

The council of Obidos gave the following task to the StaR course, which occurred in Obidos from 7 to April 11: to develop practical solutions in order to transform the beautiful medieval town in an Eco-Town for a sustainable future.

The program STaR City brought together young researchers with multidisciplinary skills and aims to find solutions to current environmental issues and thus contribute to sustainable urban development in Europe.

Obidos has a great opportunity to become the first Portuguese village to reach the point of zero-emissions through the optimization of existing infrastructure, introduction of renewable energy, sustainable solutions to transport and waste management.

This course has a special focus on intelligent infrastructure systems, sustainable transport, sustainable tourism, evaluation of impacts, challenges to local authorities and others to be addressed by young researchers. The Municipality of Obidos and STaR encourages groups to submit ideas and new solutions for the future development of this town, to be replicated in other communities in Europe. Municipal authorities emerged with a vision that points to the creation of a new standard for urban spaces in Portugal and the results that flow from this event can be replicated in many other Portuguese communities.

The challenges and impacts of tourism are recognized in all municipalities and have been taking this into account which reached a basis for cooperation. The concept of Eco-Town, once implemented, should, first, protect the local environment of the negative impacts of tourism and, second, become a reference and have a role in attraction as a catalyst for the planning and improving quality of life. Funded by the Marie Curie programme, the STaR City is a unique project composed of a series of events covering the four key sectors in sustainable urban development: energy, transportation, waste management and urban planning.

The participants, students in doctoral and post-doctoral, with different skills from different disciplines and countries, provided the basis for innovative solutions and discussed real problems within the theme of sustainable solutions. They were also present, in large, internationally renowned experts, together with representatives from universities-edge, businesses, municipal and national authorities as well as the European Union.

Silver Coast and Obidos, always looking for improvement!

Silver Coast to receive Golf mega-tournament

A mega-tournament of golf in the Silver Coast will be one of the events that will be part of a plan of international promotion of the west region with financing of the State, to the resemblance of what was already done in the Algarve.

The guarantee was given by Frederico Costa, administrator of Tourism of Portugal, in a first meeting had with the president of the RTO (West Tourism Region) about this plan. However, it is also predicted the achievement of an international golf meeting to take place in the region in June, with the presence of 20 foreign speakers.

The main goal of this initiative will be to encourage the tourists dislocated to the Silver Coast for certain events to stay longer in the region. "Anybody going to the Opera festival in Obidos can take advantage of the day or two in the region, and go eat a sweated lobster at Peniche and buy some cavacas in Caldas da Rainha, for example", explained Antonio Carneiro.

Luis Garcia (RTO vice-presidente) highlighted the way the Silver Coast region has becoming more and more successful; referring that magazine "Golf Weekly" did an article in its central pages about golf in Portugal, where the Silver Coast/ West region fields were referred.

In the last week of March, GolfeOeste has been participating in a marketing operation for tourism agencies in Germany.

Top 15 Reasons to invest in Silver Coast Property

The information below, reasons to invest in Silver Coast property, is focused on the economic considerations, future investments and infrastructure in the Silver Coast region of Portugal.

1. A Pricewaterhouse Coopers and a Place in the Sun report put the Silver Coast Portugal within the top three countries most likely to make you the most money in the next 10 years.
   
2. A report by the Strategic National Tourism Plan states that the tourism receipts will increase to 12 thousand million (12 billion) by 2015 and the report also concludes the Silver Coast will be one of the main growth areas.
   
3. Portugal and especially the Silver Coast have strict planning regulations that will ensure the low density of new developments and keep the supply and demand levels balanced.


4. Portugal is rapidly becoming centre stage for eco-investments within the Euro zone. And the Silver Coast is no exception with signs of renewable energy dotting the countryside.
   Investments into solar panel farms, wind turbines, wave turbines and eco-villages are attracting blue chip corporations and high net worth investors into the area.
   
5. According to Barclays bank the number of Irish and British citizens who plan to buy abroad will double in the next 5 years.
   
6. Until 2013 the EU plan to fund €8.8 million per day to improve the Portuguese economy and infrastructure.
   
7. Portugal can be seen as a low risk, established and safe investment environment.
   
8. Portugal has a long established tourism market and you will find close to 100% occupancy in the summer months in the most popular tourist spots, including Nazare, Sao Martinho do Porto, Foz do Arelho and Obidos.
   
9. Portugal, the UK and Ireland all adhere to the EU double taxation treaties allowing non-residential Portuguese property owners to avoid double taxation including capital gains tax and rental income tax.
   
10. The Portuguese banks encourage non-residents to take out a Portuguese mortgage and the process is relatively easy to obtain an 80% LTV interest only mortgage.
    
11. Terminal 2 at Lisbon airport was opened for business this year 2008 to increase the volume of low cost airline traffic to the capital.
    
12. A new TGV high speed rail link Lisbon to Madrid is planned for 2010 with completion by 2015. The TGV will reduce the journey from Lisbon to Madrid to 3 hours from currently 10 hours.
    
13. Two new modern state of the art shopping centres are to be built in Caldas da Rainha. One to be finished in spring 2008 and the other in spring 2009. One of these projects will be built be the Sonae Group. www.sonae.pt. They will consist of shops, supermarkets, cinemas and restaurants.
    
14. A Jurassic Theme Park is to be built in the town Lourinha with the construction to start in 2010 with the intention to attract more than 250,000 visitors a year.
    


15. Finally and most importantly 4 new 18 hole championship golf courses are currently under construction in the council's of Obidos and Caldas da Rainha. They are Royal Obidos, Falaesia del Rei, Rainha Golf and Bom Successo. All of these golf courses will include luxury villas and apartments plus 5 start hotels thus making the Silver coast area of Portugal a dominant force in the world of golf tourism.
    

MOVEPORTUGAL - INVESTMENTS
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Obidos, Is it the main attraction of the Silver Coast?

In an interview to the “Oeste online” website, the president of the town council of Obidos, Telmo Faria, shows us why Obidos has been the most dynamic ever, revealing the intention to develop a business project around chocolate, with the creation of a museum and a factory, although ideas to increase the tourism flow don’t stop here…

Oeste Online – What are the plans to take advantage of the success already achieved with the Chocolate Festival?

Telmo Faria – We want to do a business project around the chocolate theme. The town council has been working on a project that deepens the relation with chocolate, developing a product that will have the "Obidos" trademark.

We thought of doing two units, to be managed in a partnership between the two municipal companies. One more museum like, to stay inside the town and to be called "Factory of the Chocolate-Museum" - It’s a small chocolate factory, with a shop, exposition areas and ateliers for kids.

The second is to be installed in old wine warehouses, bought for 440 thousand euros by the Town council, just outside of Obidos, in nearby village of A-da-Gorda, that will be “rejuvenated” in order for a bigger factory to be done and will have dwellings for the chocolate makers to live. These projects are important job sources and who knows if new firms don’t appear and start to associate and invest. Our intention is to open doors.

Also in this extensive interview, the Mayor of Obidos talks about several other projects that he pretends to develop in Obidos, such as a new course in Advanced Bakery, unique in Portugal. Other huge projects include the “Semana Santa (Holy Week)”; The Opera Festival; the Flower Fest; a Cinema Festival; a Arte Biennial and a Silver Biennial.

The Silver Coast sometimes seems to have a capital, called Obidos, as there is no shortage of initiative here, where young Mayor Telmo Faria puts all efforts on keeping Obidos in everyone’s ears, eyes and mouth…

Obidos may be the first Portuguese Eco-Town

The Municipal Museum of Obidos staged day 27, the conference "Town Sustainability", occasion used also to present the program “OB2" (Sustainable Obidos).

The main purpose of this conference was to develop efforts in the sense of stimulating the sustainability of Portuguese Towns.

The OB2 is born of the conjugation of efforts between the municipal company "Obidos Requalifica (Requalification)" and Ecochoice, a company of consultancy in sustainable construction that integrates the sector of the Tourism and Services of the Lena Group.

The project’s main goals are the implementation of planning practices and more sustainable construction, the fulfilment of the Program "Obidos Social Carbon", and to bring innovation to the land property sector and local construction as well as to provide service level of the practical eco constructive type. The aim is to turn Obidos into the first Portuguese Eco-town.

According to Isabel Santos, executive administrator of Ecochoice, "Obidos has conditions to position itself as an innovative center for the sustainable construction business and for the implementation of renewable energies which will turn itself unique in Portugal and the OB2 project personifies that will of change and differentiation of the town".

During the conference, prominent architect Selwin Wever spoke about energy efficiency of buildings and the presence of diverse specialists in this area was very significant.

These subjects are more and more popular by the day and definitely influence many opinions and choices of the property and construction perspective. The Silver Coast is all about these kind of values. We all certainly want to leave our children a better place…

Sparkling wine "Confraria" presented in Obidos

The Cooperative Wine Cellar of Cadaval presented last 24th of January, at the Pelourinho Gallery, in Obidos, the sparkling "Confraria".

This is the first sparkling with Controlled Denomination of Origin (DOC Obidos) produced in the region and also the first one produced by this cooperative.

According to Alvaro Luis, President of the Wine Cellar Cooperative of Cadaval, "to produce a sparkling was an ambition that we had and the technicians of the Regional Wine Commission (CVR) said that it had excellent quality".

Already approved and in preparation period is the production of next year, which will give around 15 thousand bottles.

Of the 10 thousand bottles produced this year "alone at the store were sold six thousand already", advanced Alvaro Luis, that considers that the new sparkling "represents a tremendous business opportunity".

The presented sparkling, “Confraria", was produced from the chaste Arento Branco of the year 2006, from the slopes of the Montejunto Mountains and in range of the Demarcated Region of Obidos.

The Silver Coast and Obidos keeps proving us every day why it is, indeed, so special. Beach, wine, sun…. Can it get any better than this? Land property investors of the world, take a good hard look at this soon to be discovered paradise…

Obidos Chocolate Festival scheduled to begin on Valentine’s Day

The Chocolate Festival is going to take place from the 14th to 24th of February in Obidos, embodying diverse activities, amongst these there will be three contests, “The House of Chocolate for kids”; “The Exposition of Chocolate Sculptures”, a model/ Fashion Show Runway and Courses of chocolate making.

For 12 year old’s and elder, the tickets cost five euros and the entrance at “The House of Chocolate for kids” will have the price of four euros.

Schedule

Monday through Thursday: from 3 to 11 PM
Friday: from 3 to Midnight
Saturdays: from 10 AM to Midnight
Sunday, the 17th: from 10 AM to 11 PM
Sunday, the 24th: from 10 AM to 8 PM
“The House of Chocolate for kids”: from 10 AM to 11 PM

Obidos - 200 thousand visited the Christmas Village

Over 200 thousand visitors passed through Óbidos, for the second edition of the Óbidos Vila Natal (Christmas Village), exceeding all expectations.

From the 8th of December of 2007 until the 6th of January of 2008, the number of expected visits nearly duplicated. "Thus the enormous success of this initiative allusive to Christmas, promoted for the beautiful town of Óbidos is confirmed, with the support of the Espírito Santo Bank", relates a note of the autarchy press.

For 30 consecutive days, the picturesque streets of Óbidos where filled, with entire families absolutely amazed by the animation that took place. "Parents, children and grandparents lived memorable moments, which transformed Óbidos in to the centre of colour and joy".

The artificial snow was the main set/ event and surely one of the major innovations in relation to last year.
Several areas were specially prepared and animated: Santa Clause’s Village, Elf Land and the Igloo Maze, amongst others.
The goal was to recreate for the visitors all the childlike fantasy (kids and grownups alike), and this is why people of all ages rejoiced over the personal contact with, roughly, 110 animators, between Elves, Snow Dolls, Reindeers and, of course, Santa Clause…

The Óbidos Christmas Village event was also noticeable for two new areas, the ski track and the sled ramp, where the more adventurous could enjoy truly unique sensations.
These tracks, jointly with the indoor Ice ring, revealed themselves as the most popular spots of the event, having, this last, become the stage of the "acrobatics" of around 16 thousand people.

To the resemblance of last year, there was no lack of important social action, what naturally brought many smiles and true moments to some unprivileged children.

According to Telmo Faria, Mayor of Óbidos, this event served the purpose of incrementing economic "buzz" of the region and valorisation of the Historical Center, which continues to make Óbidos a living Heritage by performing solid educational and cultural work on Portuguese families and children.
The Mayor highlights that the winter period is no longer the dead season in Óbidos, as it used to be prior of the Vila Natal (Christmas Village) event.
"All of this was achieved with huge success. We achieved clear public objectives, with a noticeable financial performance. The event generated important incomes that have covered all the expenses without the need of any loan or any public support", referred still.

The numbers that marked the Óbidos Vila Natal (Christmas Village) event

• 200 thousand visitors (30% infants up to six years old)


• 16 thousand skaters


• Human Resources Output: 67 workers


• Human Resources in the event: 169 workers


• Human Resources figuration: 110 workers


• Human Resources shows: 735 workers


• 99 Models (costumes for the animation)


• 25 thousand Santa Claus hats distributed


• 60 thousand balloons distributed


• 100 thousand postal cards distributed


• 2 tons of sweets sold in the entire village


• 80 Schools/ 4 thousand infants


• 139 thousand small light bulbs and 1500 mt of light hose


• 2125 m2 of artificial snow


• 110 Trees planted

Oeste - The Silver Coast Property Investment Guide

At the new MovePortugal Blog Spot would like to share our exceptional knowledge of the Silver Coast.

We plan to keep you updated with important news that will be helpful to potential buyers who want to invest in this wonderful area.
Coming soon we will be sharing hot of the press information with you like the construction of new shopping centres, golfing developments, Marinas and hotels.


For the newcomers to the OESTE region of Portugal or for those of you that have recently discovered the magic of the ‘Costa de Prata’ or better known as the Silver Coast we would like to start by introducing you to the key towns and villages in the area and the key facts about their locations.


Today we are concentrating on the coastline between Obidos Lagoon and Sao Martinho bay.

Areas to Invest
Serra do Bouro – Oeste - Capital Growth Investment
Key Facts :

Current square meter value: 1000 – 1200m2
Capital Growth Prospect: HIGH
Rental prospect: Currently LOW – MEDIUM
Location: Between two popular tourist destinations Foz do Arelho and Sao Martinho
Types of Views: Country
Local Amenities: Cafes, Restaurants
Tourist Attractions: Obidos Lagoon, Foz do Arelho and Sao Martinho Beaches
Map: http://mapas.sapo.pt/#M=39.45507,-9.18095,11
Future projects: 5 star Golf resort to be started in 2008 with 5 star hotels
Nearest major town: Caldas da Rainha
Distance from Lisbon: 45 minutes
Type of property to buy: Plots for construction, old buildings/villas for restoration

Our current Property Listings in this area:

• Plot for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Sao Martinho do Porto Portugal



• Land for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Sao Martinho do Porto Portugal



• Land for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Portugal



• Plot for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Portugal



• Villa for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro Portugal



• House for Sale - Silver Coast Serra do Bouro 4 bed detached house Portugal

Foz do Arelho / Nadadouro -Oeste – Capital Growth Investment & Rental Income
Key Facts :

Current square meter value: 1500-2000m2 (dependant on the views, quality of finish and age of property)
Capital Growth Prospect: MEDIUM
Rental Prospects: 90% occupancy for summer 2007 - HIGH
Location: Situated at the entrance of the famous Obidos Lagoon
Types of views: Lagoon, Sea, Beach and Country
Local Amenities: Beach Cafes, Restaurants, Mini Supermarket, Butchers, Hairdressers, Pharmacy, Night Club Tourist Attractions: Beach bars, Night Club ( http://www.discotecagreenhill.com/ ) Surfing ( http://escolasurfoz.com/ ), Kite Surfing, Wind Surfing, Hobby Cat ( http://escoladeveladalagoa.com/), Jet Ski
Map: http://mapas.sapo.pt/#M=39.43601,-9.21445,11
Future Projects: 5 star Golf resort to be started in 2008 with 5 star hotels, Nature walks and wooden bridges around and across the Obidos Lagoon
Nearest major town: Caldas da Rainha
Distance from Lisbon: 45 minutes
Type of property to buy: Villas, Plots for constructions and sea or lagoon view apartments and town houses.

Our current Property Listings in this area:

• Land for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho - oeste -Portugal



• Plot for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Apartment for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Property for Sale - Land Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Property for Sale Portugal - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• 5 year old Apartment for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Property for Sale - Apartment Sea views Foz do Arelho Silver Coast Portugal



• House for Sale - Silver Coast Oeste Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Villa for Sale - Silver Coast Nadadouro Obidos Portugal



• Property for Sale - Silver Coast Atalaia Portugal



• House for Sale - Silver Coast Nadadouro Obidos villa 3 bed



• Rural Property for Sale Portugal - Silver Coast Nadadouro Obidos



• Villa for Sale - Silver Coast Nadadouro Foz do Arelho Portugal



• Plot for Sale - Silver Coast Foz do Arelho for construction



• Property for Sale Oeste - Silver Coast Nadadouro obidos lagoon Portugal



• Villa for Sale - Silver Coast Villa in Nadadouro Foz do Arelho



• Property for Restoration - Silver Coast Portugal



• Property for Sale - Silver Coast Portugal project approved