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Francisco Laranjo

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Gonçalo Rebelo de Almeida

CEO of Vila Galé

He started off working in the group’s legal department, as his educational background included a law degree, but right from the outset, his involvement with the hotel group founded by his father led him down different avenues. Since 2012, Gonçalo Rebelo de Almeida has been the CEO of Vila Galé, the second largest hotel chain in Portugal and the largest network of resorts in Brazil. This year the group celebrates its 30th anniversary and Gonçalo says that success stems from their constant desire to outdo themselves and a sustained expansion policy. «And that’s just how we want to continue».

Gonçalo Rebelo de Almeida
In the year that the Vila Galé Group celebrates its 30th anniversary, what assessment would you make of these three decades?
This is an important milestone in the group’s history. Over these 30 years, there have been aspects that were essential for the growth of Vila Galé, which is now the second largest hotel chain in Portugal. I believe that the secret behind our success is that we work every day to outdo ourselves.

Apart from Portugal and Brazil, do you have any other markets in your sights?
Our focus on expansion and growth continues, as much in Portugal, with several projects under development and even in less obvious areas, as in Brazil. Today we have the largest network of resorts in the country, but we are still on the lookout for opportunities. We have also identified opportunities in Europe and we are keeping an eye on countries such as Cape Verde, Mozambique and Cuba.
«Portugal has been working for years to position itself as one of the best tourist destinations in the world»
Tourism in Portugal has broken records year after year. Do you think this trend will continue?
I disagree with anyone who says it’s a passing fad. Portugal has been working for years to position itself as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. And this growth is the result of this work. We are hospitable, we have excellent food, the climate is agreeable and it’s safe here. We have cultural and landscape diversity, interesting heritage and monuments, and good accessibility within the country.

How can the services provided by Vila Galé be competitive with regard to other hotels?
From early on we have focused heavily on family tourism, with highly comprehensive proposals for children. I believe that what sets us apart is that we also have a relaxed atmosphere and staff that are always available. Location, good value for money, quality gastronomy, daily entertainment, constant investment in the renovation of our hotels. We also invest in experiences that can amaze. And finally, we have managed to combine our hotel business with other complementary activities. We produce Santa Vitória wines and olive oils in the Alentejo, where we also have the Vila Galé Country Club.

What other projects do you intend to develop in the near future?
First of all, consolidate operations in the two hotels we have just opened in Sintra and Braga. And prepare for the next openings. We are also working on a new wine tourism project in the Douro, which will be the Vila Galé Douro Vineyards. We have followed a strategy of opening one or two hotels a year and a policy of sustained growth, without taking steps out of our stride. And that’s just how we want to continue.


T. Maria Amélia Pires
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