We had the opportunity to meet with Alexandra Baltazar, Lisbon Convention Bureau Manager and we want to share with you, her thoughts and suggestions for this city and our beautiful country.
After university, she started building her professional experience liaising with the American Market on behalf of various Portuguese tourism institutions. That´s how she became a high-end professional in the travel and tourism field for Portugal and Lisbon.
Since 2006 Alexandra has been working for the Lisboa Convention Bureau representing our city and our country with a lot of success.
Walk with us to discover a little bit more of Alexandra and our destination with this interview.
The O Interview
What are the 3 main word you would use to describe yourself
Passionate, stubborn, hard worker
You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What colour would you be and why?
I tend to wear black every day, so black, the new black :). I am loving blue as well, guess I am inspired by our awesome blue skies.
What do you find most challenging in your career?
Always thriving to do better, keeping the edge
What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?
I walk….looking at people, enjoying details I have never seen or paid attention before. Enjoying the moment.
What is the best thing about your work?
Loving Lisbon and my job make everything easier. I really feel empathy for Turismo de Lisboa project and this year we are celebrating 20 years.
If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
Giraffe or gazelle, my nicknames when I was growing up.
Did you have any mentors or people who deeply influenced your career?
I am very lucky. My former colleagues and Good Friends Enca Mello and Ana Sarmento Pinto – whom I met in NY. Enca Mello works at the National T Board in NYC for more than 40 years. She´s Amazing.
My former Directors – Frederico Costa, Élia Rodrigues, Miguel Malheiro Garcia, Eduardo Souto Moura.
My Directors – Paula Oliveira and Vitor Costa.
My Peers.
The Portuguese – we are a Great Nation.
Proudest moment in your career to date?
Happy to say many… my first Press trip to Portugal with a Group of American journalists – what a challenge.
Making the decision to return to Portugal and start a new project at Turismo de Lisboa. I felt so welcomed. It Has been an honour working here with this Group of people always trying to do the best for Lisbon.
Favorite band(s)?
Depeche Mode
Professional that you admire and why?
Many but the ones mentioned above.
Favorite destinations?
Lisbon, NY, Florence, Paris
What are the most important highlights people should not miss when they visit Portugal?
Interact with us, the locals. Try our fish and if possible the sardines… and seafood. Wander around and get lost in the traditional quarters of Lisbon. Walk on the riverfront. Sail in the river. Go to the fishing village of Ericeira, …..
Thank you very much Alexandra! We wish you to continue with all the success you deserve. To find more information about Portugal please visit us at http://ovationdmc.com/destinations/portugal/