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Portugal is fast becoming one of Europe’s most versatile and attractive destinations for international film and television productions, and competitive tax incentives as well as jaw-dropping coastal, town and city filming locations have helped to make the country a hub for creative projects.  

This growth in demand is creating new opportunities to support the sometimes-complex travel and accommodation needs of international crews working on location and is exactly why our own office in central Lisbon is perfectly placed to deliver tailored, on-the-ground support. 

The Evolving Production Landscape of Portugal

Of course, central to Portugal’s growing appeal is its government-backed incentive programme, designed to attract large-scale productions, and through a combination of cash rebate and refund schemes, qualifying films and programmes can benefit from rebates of between 25-30 per cent on eligible local spending, making the country highly competitive compared with other European filming destinations.  

Furthermore, a cash refund programme offer 30 per cent back on the first €2m of qualifying expenditure, with projects required to spend at least €2.5m. Support can reach up to €6 million per feature film or TV series, backed by an annual funding pool of around €20 million.

“These incentives are incredible and, when combined with the climate and varied landscapes, experienced local crews, are helping attract more international productions looking for truly bespoke locations.”  
_{– Andre Russo, Access Bookings’ International New Business Advisor in Portugal}

The Logistical Support and Results

Major projects to date including Netflix’s Damsel which was filmed in the UK and Portugal, with some scenes being shot in the historic villages of Tomar and Sortelha as well as on across the rugged landscapes of the Douro River.  

Also, scenes from HBO’s House of the Dragon were filmed in the Fortress town of Monsanto, known to be one of Portugal’s prettiest, historic and ‘most Portuguese villages in Portugal’. 

“While these locations and incentives are a big draw, the logistical knock-on effects need to be carefully managed, especially if large crew numbers descend on an area. And this is where experienced travel management companies like Access Bookings play an important supporting role, understanding itineraries, needs and wants – whether that’s for an extended stay or if entire hotel floors need booking out across multiple locations. We also know that schedules can change rapidly, meaning that arrangements must always remain agile at all times, and by working closely with hospitality partners and local suppliers, this ensures that crews can focus on the creative process while travel logistics run smoothly behind the scenes.” 

– Andre Russo, Access Bookings’ International New Business Advisor in Portugal

It’s certainly an exciting time for Portugal, and as the country continues to attract world class productions, the role of trusted travel management companies will only become more critical, ensuring that ambition on screen is matched by seamless delivery behind it. 

Need help planning your next international event? 

We specialise in complex, high-touch logistics for all entertainment industries. Get in touch using the details below, and if your production needs to be billed through the Portuguese office, please let us know when discussing your requirements.