On January 31st, the Braga Business Association (AEB) and the Portuguese Catholic University (UCP) - Braga promoted the 1st edition of the "Braga Business Fam Trips", aimed at tour operators, with the aim of highlighting the assets that drive tourism in the region.

Under the motto "Commerce with History", this first trip included a visit to 4 of the 44 "Shops with History" in the city of Braga and the starting point was Largo de São João do Souto.

Attendance exceeded expectations and brought together tourist agents, professionals and tourism students from UCP-Braga, who were able to visit establishments such as Mercado de São João, A Negrita, Pereira das Violas and Paramentaria Vasconcelos.

According to Rui Marques, Director General of the AEB, this series of visits aims not only to bring economic agents closer to tour operators, but also to enrich the city's tourist offer. As well as highlighting the city's heritage values, it aims to promote the exchange of experiences and networking between the different partners. He also stressed that the aim is not just to attract more tourists, but to maximize the value retained from tourism and contribute to the economic and social development of the region.

For his part, Varico Pereira, representing UCP-Braga, stressed the importance of this initiative for a comprehensive view of the city, highlighting not only the monuments and museums, but also the cultural and historical assets, such as the "Shops with History".

Joana Teixeira, a businesswoman in the tourist entertainment sector and a member of the Cooperativa Minho de Porta Aberta, praised the initiative by UCP-Braga and the AEB for providing opportunities to get to know and value these historic spaces. She also emphasized the importance of historic shops in the tourist offer and highlighted tourists' preference for local products and authentic experiences.