Hospitality Experience
Strategic Advice for Palace Hotel do Bussaco
The Bensaude Group, a benchmark in the tourism sector in Portugal, is taking part in the REVIVE programme, promoted by the Portuguese government, with the aim of obtaining a 50-year concession for the emblematic Palace Hotel do Bussaco.
This programme aims to recover historic heritage with high cultural and tourist value, promoting its sustainable and integrated revitalisation. The project aims to transform the hotel into a destination of excellence, in line with contemporary hospitality and sustainability trends.
Project Scope
The Palace Hotel do Bussaco, an iconic 19th-century property celebrated for its Neo-Manueline architecture and historical significance, is part of the Portuguese government’s REVIVE programme. This initiative seeks to restore and revitalise heritage sites, blending cultural preservation with sustainable tourism development. The Bensaude Group, a leader in Portugal’s tourism sector, aims to secure a 50-year concession to transform the Palace Hotel into a premier destination that balances heritage conservation with modern hospitality standards.
Our team provided in-depth strategic advice to the Bensaude Group, ensuring their proposal was both competitive and aligned with the REVIVE programme’s objectives. This included conducting a detailed assessment of the hotel’s architectural and cultural assets, identifying opportunities to preserve its unique character while enhancing its appeal to discerning international travellers. A critical component of our work was a market feasibility study, which evaluated the potential for high-end tourism, considering trends such as cultural travel, eco-conscious hospitality, and demand for unique heritage experiences.
We also developed a sustainability framework for the project, emphasising environmentally sensitive renovations, energy efficiency, and locally sourced operations. Our recommendations included integrating innovative guest experiences such as curated heritage tours, fine dining inspired by the region’s gastronomic traditions, and wellness offerings that draw on the natural beauty of the surrounding Bussaco forest.
To strengthen the proposal, we supported the Bensaude Group in navigating complex regulatory requirements, ensuring alignment with the REVIVE programme’s objectives and broader national tourism strategies. We also advised on financial planning, outlining a sustainable business model that would maximise long-term value for both the group and the local community.
The final submission, crafted with our strategic input, positioned the Bensaude Group as an ideal custodian of this landmark property, showcasing a vision that honours the Palace Hotel’s historic legacy while setting a new standard for heritage-driven hospitality.
Projekt Standort
Bussaco , Portugal
