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Travel Tips
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Traveling to Portugal
Editor’s note: Global business, and subsequently, global business travel, continues to expand rapidly. In response, CWT Traveler will provide to readers each month in 2008 insights and tips on traveling from North America to other countries around the world. This month’s installment focuses on Portugal.
In business:
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While punctuality may not be highly valued by a Portuguese counterpart, it is expected that visitors arrive on time. Be sure to make appointments, but do not be surprised to be kept waiting for up to 30 minutes.
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Personal relationships are highly important in Portugal. A level of trust must be built before business can take place, and negotiations will proceed slowly.
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Service is highly valued by businesspeople and customers in Portugal, so it is essential to offer after-sale service, whenever possible, to be successful.
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Avoid conversations about politics and government.
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If invited to a business lunch, it is important to reciprocate, but avoid creating the sense that it is because of a feeling of indebtedness.
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Handshakes at the beginning and end of meetings are acceptable.
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Try to avoid scheduling business meetings in July and August, or around national holidays.
Good to know:
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Portuguese is the official language of Portugal, but many people speak English as well. Learning a few words in Portuguese can create a feeling of camaraderie.
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It is impolite to point in Portugal.
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Conservative dress (jacket and tie) is the norm, even in social settings.
Source: “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: The Bestselling Guide to Doing Business in More Than 60 Countries,” by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway. Published by Adams Media of Avon, Massachusetts.
Mother Nature isn’t the only one delaying business travel
While weather and air traffic congestion are two causes of flight delays, a new study by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics points out that airlines and airline processes may cause just as many delays.
From mechanical problems to refueling time, airlines inevitably contribute to certain delays, and for a variety of reasons this seems to be happening more than ever before. Financial strains of the airlines in conjunction with monthly in-flight hour limitations and required rest periods imposed by the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission (CARC) are forcing labor shortages. The slowdown caused by major air carriers can cause a trickle-down effect that reaches nearly all passengers even through those flying with regional carriers.
Airlines and passengers alike are feeling the pain of this transition period. Airlines are trying to figure out ways to avoid the delays while travelers are trying to minimize the affect on their travel plans. While travelers can’t avoid these delays, they can check flight status before leaving for the airport to be informed of any changes or cancellations.
Sources: USA TODAY, Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission
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