TMR On Location: Ready, Set, Portugal! Air Canada-United Airlines Race Lands in Porto

Porto is hosting the Air Canada–United Airlines Race 2026, bringing together more than 30 North American travel industry professionals to celebrate the event’s 20th anniversary.

With fun challenges, networking opportunities and immersive experiences on the agenda, Travel Market Report Canada is on site to cover this unique combination of an Amazing Race-style competition and FAM.

Beyond the friendly rivalry, participants will also discover the many tourism attractions of Porto and Northern Portugal. The race is on!

An Adventure Beyond the Ordinary

Divided into teams, participants will tackle a series of challenges while exploring the host destination.

Following the competition, the journey will continue with a familiarization trip through Northern Portugal.

Organized in collaboration with Visit Porto and North Portugal, this year’s event offers a refreshing alternative to traditional industry gatherings.

Conference rooms give way to hands-on experiences, meetings with local tourism partners and a friendly competition that might just bring out the competitive side of a few travel advisors!

It’s an original way for travel professionals to gain firsthand destination knowledge, build connections and discover unique experiences to recommend to their clients.

Racing Through the Streets of Porto

One of the most anticipated highlights will undoubtedly be the Porto Walking Challenge.

Participants will navigate the streets of Porto using tablets that guide them along different routes. Along the way, they’ll complete photo and video challenges and answer questions about Portuguese culture.

The competition will also include a community-focused initiative. One of the stops of the race will be at a local charity where racers will assemble care packages (with toiletries underwear, socks, etc.) that will be distributed by the charity to the homeless community.

The activity will add a meaningful social dimension to the race while giving travel professionals an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the community.

Exploring the Douro Valley & Portugal’s North

Beyond the competition, the Air Canada–United Airlines Race will showcase some of Northern Portugal’s most notable attractions. Four themed FAM trips will focus on wine, UNESCO World Heritage sites, gastronomy, and nature and outdoor activities.

These experiences will give travel advisors an opportunity to explore the diversity of Northern Portugal’s tourism offerings and discover new experiences to recommend to their clients.

To kick off the trip, the group will explore the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wine region. A private cruise aboard a traditional Rabelo boat will offer views of the terraced vineyards that define this remarkable landscape.

The itinerary also includes a visit to Quinta da Pacheca, a wine estate known for its wine tourism experiences. These activities will give travel advisors a closer look at the region’s tourism offerings and introduce unique experiences to recommend to their clients.

The program will continue with an excursion to Matosinhos, an e-bike ride along the Atlantic coast and a visit to the famous 516 Arouca suspension bridge.

The event will also feature an awards ceremony honouring the race winners at the historic Cálem Port wine cellars.

With excitement building and a little friendly rivalry already in the mix, the competition is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the week! But the big question remains: who will rise to the challenge and claim victory?

Throughout the week, TMR will follow the Air Canada–United Airlines Race 2026, sharing highlights from the competition, conversations with industry professionals and discoveries made along the way.

From exciting challenges to meaningful connections and destination experiences, this week in Porto promises plenty of stories worth sharing. Stay tuned!