The global financial crisis has impacted many areas of the tourist industry. Many UK holiday makers are opting to stay in the UK with the Euro exchange rate making European travel a less attractive prospect.

In 2009 the recession in Portugal lead to a shortfall in the number of rental cars in the Algarve. The situation is likely to be repeated in the Summer of 2010. Matt May spokesman for UK company Blue Valley Car Hire who provide car hire in the Algarve region of Portugal explains.

“In Portugal, most of the local rental car companies rely on hiring in additional cars during the busy periods such as Easter and Summer to boost the size of their rental car fleets. The credit crunch in Europe has made it much more difficult for these companies to obtain additional cars for the busy periods, as the companies that they lease from are insisting on longer term leases. The result in Summer 2009 was spiralling prices and a general car hire shortage. Many people turning up at Faro Airports without a pre-booked car last Summer discovered that there were no rental cars available.”

Matt continues “we are anticipating a similar situation in 2010, so we recommend that people book as early as possible. The situation at Faro Airport which is the hub of the Algarve tourist industry in 2009 was very frustrating for tourists hoping to pick up a holiday rental car bargain. By booking early you will guarantee that a car is reserved in your name, and avoid having to pay the higher prices on arrival at the airport.”

For more information on car rental at Faro Airport in the Algarve Portugal please visit our website.

Each year the Carnival festivities throughout the world are amazing displays of colour and costumes set to joyful music. Algarve embraces this spirit and allows visitors to enjoy countless entertainment options along with beautiful weather to explore the coastline.

IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts and it´s five star resorts in the Algarve – Monte Santo in Carvoeiro and As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa in Vilamoura, have prepared a 3 night package that embodies this endless celebration while offering the true comfort of luxurious accommodation.  The carnival package incorporates facilities the entire family can appreciate, including a welcome cocktail, a breakfast buffet, an early check-in and late check-out, complimentary access to the fitness equipment (gym, heated indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, tennis courts) and many other surprises.

To make the guest´s stay even more enjoyable As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa offers complimentary access to the 7 Seven Spa Vilamoura social areas and Monte Santo offers a Masquerade dinner on the 15^th of February, in which the most original costume will be awarded a complimentary night stay on their next visit. Luxurious accommodation, amusement and culinary delights are but a few of the things IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts has prepared for this year´s Carnival, with rates as low as €59,50 per person/night at Monte Santo, and €88,50 per person/night at As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa .

For more information and reservations please contact us by telephone +351 282 321 000 (Monte Santo), +351 289 304 900 (As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa) or e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

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Editor´s Information

For more information please contact:

Jennifer Freire

PR & Communications Assistant

Tel.: +351 282 321 000 | Fax: +351 282 321 001

E-mail: [email protected]

Websites: www.ascascatasvilamoura.com | www.montesantoalgarve.com

This year, St. Valentine´s Day is on a Sunday, a perfect opportunity for passionate couples to plan a romantic escape. And while enjoying the stunning location why not prolong the weekend to the Carnival celebration on Tuesday and indulge in a romantic yet festive getaway! These two holidays allow us to begin the year in the best way possible, relaxing. Surprise your sweetheart with an evening in a luxurious suite, a romantic dinner for two, or an Aphrodisiacal Cooking Workshop.

Even in winter Algarve continues to be one of the most privileged and welcoming regions in Portugal. Knowing this, IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts has prepared romantic suggestions for passionate couples at Monte Santo, in Carvoeiro or As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, in Vilamoura. Discover our special Valentine´s Day offers and select your destination…

St. Valentine´s Day at Monte Santo, Carvoeiro

Monte Santo allows couples to experience a seductive candlelit dinner with live music at the Club House Restaurant, complete with a delicious menu prepared especially for this occasion.

If you prefer something more private and sophisticated, take pleasure in an evening of luxurious Suite accommodation, complete with VIP treatment. Upon arrival enjoy a bottle of sparkling wine, and a Jacuzzi with bath salts all within the comfort of your suite. Afterwards, end the evening with a seductive candlelit dinner. Prolong this unique moment with a continental breakfast served within your suite, and enjoy a late check-out. During your stay, be sure to enjoy the complimentary access to the gym, fitness circuit, heated indoor pool and Turkish bath. This offer is available for as little as €155 per night for 2 people.

This programme is valid for the evening of the 13th or 14th of February 2010.  The three course dinner includes drinks. Non-refundable pre-payment of reservation is due upon booking. Offer is subject to availability and alteration without prior notice.

Further to the accommodation with special touches of romance and a candlelit dinner, Monte Santo has also prepared an Aphrodisiac Cooking Workshop with simple recipes that will seduce your loved one every day of the year! The sign-up fee is €30 per couple. The workshop will have a limited participation so please reserve until the 13th of February.

St. Valentine´s Day at As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa

Located in the heart of Vilamoura, As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa seems to surround us within an ideal ambience, while offering truly romantic moments. Make this year special and surprise your loved one with an unforgettable Valentine´s Day present.

As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, presents a package which includes a seductive evening within a luxurious Suite, surrounded by rose-petals and complete with VIP treatment upon arrival – a bottle of sparkling wine, red berries and a small gift. Enjoy a SPA treatment for 2 and complementary access to the 7Seven Spa Vilamoura social areas, where you may experience the whirlpools, a Zen garden, Aromatic bath, Sauna, Turkish Bath, Waterfall experience, Contrast Tunnel, Ice fountain and an additional 10% discount on SPA treatments. Prolong the moment with a late check-out. This offer is available for as little as €150 per person, per night.

* Price per person per night

Exclusive offer includes:

• Welcome drink
• Full breakfast buffet
• Early check-in
• Luxurious suite accommodation
• Complimentary use of fitness facilities: gym, indoor pool, tennis courts and outdoor pools
• Complimentary Marina/Beach/Golf Shuttle
• Complimentary access to the 7Seven Spa social areas
• Secure underground parking
• Baby Must Have Service
• Luxury toiletries, bathrobes and slippers
• Late check-out

This programme is valid for the evening of the 13th or 14th of February 2010. Rate is based on shared accommodation in a one-bedroom suite. Price per person. Valentine´s day VIP includes 1 bottle of sparkling wine and red berries. Non-refundable pre-payment of reservation is due upon booking. Offer is subject to availability and alteration without prior notice.

Collaboration with the Pestana Group consolidates the position of both resorts within the golfers’ universe.

Algarve, one of the leading leisure destinations in Europe is currently considered a premiere playing ground for true golf lovers.  The course layouts, carefully designed by international architects, along with the breathtaking landscapes make this a privileged setting for the sport’s enthusiasts.

Carvoeiro and the remaining western Algarve have numerous attractions; and are positioning themselves as world-class golf destinations at affordable prices.

With the purpose of increasing the visitor´s options, and targeting new segments for Carvoeiro, IMOCOM Hotels and Resort’s five star accommodation has associated itself with high quality golf, Monte Santo and the Pestana Group have combined efforts, and created fantastic golf packages.

Monte Santo’s Golf Package “European Senior Tour Qualifying School”, which incorporates the Pestana Golf’s European Senior championship held from the 11^th to the19th of November throughout the Vale da Pinta, Gramacho and Silves golf couses is already available for reservations. This package is available for as little as €85 per person per night while including the transfers to the golf courses, accommodation and full access to all of Monte Santo’s facilities such as the health club, indoor pool, Turkish bath, sauna pools and a round of golf at one of the Pestana golf courses, so that you may observe great swings and put them into practice.

Vilamoura needs no introduction when it comes to receiving prestigious international golf tournaments; one example being the soon to be held third edition of the Portugal Masters. This tournament is considered one of the sport’s most important championships and includes a prize of over 3 million Euros. The match is played from the 15th to the 18th of October on the Oceânico Victoria golf course, designed by the mythic player Arnold Palmer. The Portugal Masters strongly helps to position the country as a leading golf destination in Europe.

IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts’ Vilamoura property- As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa- has created a 2009 Portugal Masters golf package. With rates as low as €139 per person per night this promotion incorporates luxurious accommodation, complimentary access to the 7Seven Spa Vilamoura social areas, a €100 spa voucher, tickets to attend the golf tournament and a round of golf.

“The proximity of our resorts to the best golf courses in Vilamoura and Carvoeiro, makes golf a primary segments.  Vilamoura is world-renowned for its golf. Carvoeiro, while there is still margin for growth, also has great courses. When collaborating with the Pestana Group we intend to join two high-quality products in one offer, therefore creating synergies that allow us to make golf available to everyone; proving it is no longer an elitist sport.” commented Marc Sontag, IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts’ Residential Tourism Director.

More information regarding these and other golf packages are available on the resorts’ websites www.montesantoalgarve.com and www.ascascatasvilamoura.com.

Editors Information

For more information please contact:

Jennifer Freire

PR & Communications Assistant

Tel.: +351 282 321 000, Fax: +351 282 321 001, e-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.montesantoalgarve.com | www.ascascatasvilamoura.com

Between the 11th and 31st of August, Monte Santo in Carvoeiro will welcome the “Lynx, the struggle to exist- a story of survival or extinction” exhibition created by SOS Lynx.

According to the non-profit association founded in 2000 for the conservation of the Iberian-Lynx, SOS Lynx, this creature is the most endangered feline species in the world. It is calculated that only 200 specimens currently live within their natural habitat. This species that once inhabited the entire Iberian Peninsula  has come to disappear in the last decades due greatly to the loss of its natural habitat, the decrease in prey, and a high mortality attributed to car accidents, and hunting.

“We intend to take advantage of August-our busiest month of the year- to appeal to our visitors´ ecological conscience. This exhibit, composed of 8 panels, presents the Iberian lynx in a didactic yet fascinating perspective, showing us how this feline species struggles on a daily basis to survive. Receiving this exhibit within our resort is a simple contribution to a noble cause we are happy to make.” stated Marc Sontag, IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts’ Director of Residential Tourism.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit Carvoeiro and discover how you may help the Iberian Lynx- the last large feline indigenous to the Iberian Peninsula and the most endangered mammal in Europe.

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Editor’s Information

For more information please contact:

Jennifer Freire

PR & Communications Assistant

Tel.: +351 282 321 000, Fax: +351 282 321 001, e-mail: [email protected]

Site: www.montesantoalgarve.com

After receiving Dj Tiesto and 2ManyDjs, As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa and Hilton Vilamoura welcome international superstars Bob Sinclar, David Guetta and many others. Meanwhile Monte Santo, IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts Carvoeiro property will also receive performers like Fatboy Slim.

Summer in the Algarve can represent a wide range of experiences for its visitors, recently cultural and sporting events have become predominant aspects of the destination´s lure. Whether it’s an international golf tournament or a summer festival, locals and visitors alike may now enjoy countless national and international performances while holidaying.

Having performed in locations throughout the world, these musicians tend to have extensive lists of demands regarding their accommodations; requesting special attention to every detail. Their elevated standards have been met by a resort in the Algarve: As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa and the Hilton Vilamoura who will be receiving such names as Nari & Milani, Louis Botella, David Guetta, Bob Sinclar and Dimitri From Paris until the end of this summer. The musicians are scheduled to entertain the nightlife throughout the Algarve followed by a well-deserved retreat to this exclusive resort so they may enjoy the true comfort and luxury it is known for.

Inaugurated on the 1^st of August 2007, As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa is proud to have received numerous celebrities, along with countless guests from Portugal, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Holland; all of whose positive postings have allowed the resort to be amongst the best rated in the Algarve on multiple websites. “Receiving musicians of this scale within our resorts demonstrates the true standards of quality our brand withholds.  This is also reflected in our guest reviews on various websites where our anonymous visitors continuously rate us amongst the destination´s top 5 resort for nearly 2 years”, stated Marc Sontag, IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts´ Director of Residential Tourism.

Monte Santo – IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts´ other property in the Algarve – recently celebrated a successful first year of operation. The day was commemorated with a delightful dinner amongst friends, co-workers and family. Guests are invited to enjoy a belated yet memorable gift: all previous guests are welcomed to return during the first two weeks of September and enjoy an exclusive concert with the Portuguese rock band Lulla Bye.  After the success of their previous concert, “O Concerto Mais Pequeno do Mundo” organized by one of the leading radio stations in Portugal, Radio Comercial, Lulla Bye will return to Monte Santo on the 12th of September for an unforgettable concert prepared especially for guests.

Further to this concert in September, Monte Santo will also welcome international performers like Fatboy Slim, Roisin Murphey and countless more.

Heart & Soul is responsible for the presence of these artists in the Algarve. Recognized for their management of artists from all around the world, event and concert production, Heat & Soul has been involved or responsible for the majority of the noteworthy electronic music events in Portugal.

For more information please contact:

Jennifer Freire

PR & Communications Assistant

Tel.: 282 321 000, Fax: 282 321 001, e-mail: [email protected]

Site: www.montesantoalgarve.com | www.ascascatasvilamoura.com

Booking a meeting never felt this good.

In conjunction with the launch of IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts´ Suite Meetings, Monte Santo will award one lucky meeting planner €5.000 worth of hotel services to plan their next suite meeting at the 5-star Monte Santo in the “Win A Free Meeting” drawing. Entrees are currently being accepted on Monte Santo´s website (www.montesantoalgarve.com) until the end of August 2009 and the winner will be announced until the 7^th of September 2009. The package includes complimentary guestrooms, meeting facilities in dedicated meeting suites, banquet food and beverage, parking and welcome amenities up to a retail value of €5.000.

Perfectly situated – less than 45 minutes from the Faro International Airport- with convenient access to famous local attractions and shopping, along with the benefit of onsite complimentary parking, the meeting Suites are located on the 1st floor of the Club House, overlooking the resort and provide stunning sea views. The meeting suites feature high-tech amenities and luxury décor – ideal for everything from a dinner meeting to an intimate social gathering. The private suites provide the perfect venue to impress.

Outstanding attention to detail and extensive indoor and outdoor meeting facilities ensure every event is successful and highly productive. Whether you are hosting a training session, a private boardroom meeting or celebrating a company milestone with a grand celebration, our resort offer just the right venue for your event. An inspirational setting for your meetings, you can choose from day or overnight packages. Alternatively, meeting room hire only prices are available.- our 5 star resort offers all you need to plan a memorable gathering. Take advantage of all our benefits, including:

• Flexible event space, ranging from private boardrooms with en-suite break-out rooms to large functions
• Lovely outdoor venues, including terraces and the Garden Tent
• Business Services through dedicated Meeting Concierge, to assist you in all aspects from start to finish
• Complimentary transportation to the Airport, making it easy for your attendees to arrive
• Extensive activities in the hotel and nearby for participants and their families
• 133 suites and townhouses with deluxe amenities

Meeting planners can enter the drawing on the Monte Santo Web site at www.montesantoalgarve.com and by sending an e-mail to [email protected] Previously contracted groups are not eligible to win. The winner must sign the contract within 10 working days of the drawing. The winner will be notified the day following the drawing via e-mail and a phone call.

Packages and booking incentives are available throughout the year, minimum numbers may apply.

Monte Santo, is a part of IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts which offer the largest most luxurious suites in Carvoeiro and Vilamoura. Each property provides guests with exceptionally personalised service and exquisite décor, creating a distinctive, yet informal experience. IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts offer an unsurpassed range of guest services and amenities, including high-speed Internet connectivity, wine tastings, gourmet dining and unique Spa & fitness options from in-room treatments to state-of-the-art fitness facilities.

A typical day at Monte Santo might include an early bird run around the Resort’s fitness track or an energizing swim in indoor pool, a buffet breakfast by the outdoor pool, morning meetings followed by an express lunch, a bicycle ride or a transfer to the Golf course (3 minutes by car, 20 minutes by bicycle). Then our guests may choose between 18 holes of Championship Golf, a Tennis tournament, or various treatments by the 7Seven Spa. To end a perfect day, the guests may enjoy cocktails, while watching the sunset at the Club House followed by a casual BBQ dinner.

Visitors can locate hotels, book accommodations or find out more by calling +351 282 321 000 / +351  289 304 900, or accessing the resort websites at www.montesantoalgarve.com | www.ascascatasvilamoura.com. For enquiries on this and other offers please e-mail [email protected]

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Editor´s Information

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Freire

PR & Communications Assistant

Tel.: 282 321 000, Fax: 282 321 001, e-mail: [email protected]

Site: www.montesantoalgarve.com

Between the 1^st of July and the 31^st of August, Monte Santo will welcome the Belgian artist Michele Frederickx´s exhibit, entitled “Nature in Progress”.

The Vernissage is scheduled for July 1^st, at 6 p.m. and the painter will be on hand to share her inspirations with all of our guests. Admission to the event is free of charge and includes an enjoyable cocktail.

Michele Frederick, most commonly known as Mikki.F, was born on March 11^th 1963, in Gent, Belgium. Her artistic techniques were perfected at the Brugge’s Arts School, where she graduated with a major in art. She later complemented her studies with graphic and fashion design. For 15 years, she dedicated her talent to designing for world renowned jewelers. Throughout these years Michele Frederickx was also able to evolve as an artist through several small projects including interior design. In 2002, she achieved her ultimate passion, to create art with absolute freedom and creativity.

Her paintings have been displayed throughout Belgium, in events such as Liberat, Talent and Sfeer, from 2004 until 2006. In 2004 her work was also displayed in Sun Valley (U.S.A). Her latest exhibits have been in Portugal, more specifically the Algarve, where she has already presented her work on 4 separate occasions.

This exhibition, organized by Monte Santo and the artist, will include 13 paintings and will be on display within the resort´s Club House from July 1^st until August 31^st.. On September 1^s, Monte Santo will then welcome a new collection of Mikki F.´s art, 13 paintings with a “Marrakech” theme. These will be displayed during 6 months.

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Editor Information

For more information, please contact:

Jennifer Freire

PR & Communication Assistant

Tel.: 282 321 000, Fax: 282 321 001, e-mail: [email protected]

Site: www.montesantoalgarve.com

As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, a five star property with the largest most luxurious suites in Vilamoura, has launched a special promotion that allows visitors to enjoy a spectacular holiday in June with a 65% discount on rack rate.

This fantastic offer includes an early check-in, late check-out, complete breakfast buffet, complimentary access to the health club, indoor pool, tennis courts and countless resort pools, complimentary shuttle service to the Vilamoura Marina and the Falésia beach, parking and a 10% discount on the magnificent 7Seven Spa Vilamoura.

As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, is a unique getaway, with the services and facilities of an international world-renowned chain, where well-known celebrities such as DJ Tiesto and 2 Many Djs have already enjoyed it´s features.

With one of the largest most luxurious Spas in Portugal spanning over 2.800m2 of pure relaxation, refreshing pools, a health club, tennis courts, golf simulators along with a world-class golf course at its doorstep, a wonderful kids club, various restaurants, bares, a beach club on the Falésia beach, and of course the warm and welcoming staff of the IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts, As Cascatas is the ideal location for an unforgettable holiday where you may savour the best the Algarve has to offer.

Take advantage of the opportunity and bask in the luxury and comfort of a 5 star property with an unbeatable offer. This is however, a limited offer so book now!

This promotion is available until the 30^th of June, has no minimum nights stay, but must be booked through our reception by e-mail: [email protected] or Tel. 289 304 900, while mentioning the promotional code “Promo June 65%”.

The world of social media marketing has become a fundamental tool for many businesses. For IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts and its luxurious Algarve properties- As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa, in Vilamoura and Monte Santo, in Carvoeiro- this is an opportunity to keep their followers updated while rewarding its guests, employees and numerous other fans with complimentary weekends.

Every month a lucky registered fan wins a complimentary weekend for two with breakfast included at one of the spectacular 5 star resorts. This month´s winners were previous guests from Ireland and Scotland. As an added incentive this offer was extended to all of the IMOCOM employees in Portugal, Brazil, Angola and Argentina.

Along with Facebook, guests may also follow the IMOCOM Hotels and Resorts on Twitter! Future social media projects include Flirck, Linkdin and Wikitravel/Wikipedia. Each resort also has a Blog where visitors may drop by and read up on the most recent tourism and hospitality news.

Recently inaugurated the resorts’ two new websites have a modern design, multiple booking functions, information regarding the numerous IMOCOM Experiences available, photographs and details of the wonderful suites, useful descriptions of the neighboring golf courses while offering helpful tips of the Algarve, along with all the Monte Santo and As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa news.

Visitors may explore these virtual portals at www.montesantoalgarve.com and www.ascascatasvilamoura.com or directly on Twitter or Facebook. Allow us to recommend a pit stop at Facebook so that you along with your family and friends may become fans and enter to win a complimentary weekend in the Algarve.