On 24 February, National Geographic Traveller (UK)’s associate editor Orla Thomas joined the ‘Content is power: who shapes the global imagination’ panel discussion at the Visit Portugal Conference 2026. The talk was held at the Estufa Fria — a greenhouse venue in Lisbon’s Eduardo VII Park — and featured Gaelle Fuzet, director of France’s Le Monde Group, and Luís Meyer, editorial director of Travel + Leisure Spain. 

Moderated by Portuguese journalist Mafalda Anjos, the panel explored the impact of editorial on the demand for travel, as well as the characteristics of a memorable article and the importance of topicality in travel storytelling. They also covered: 

• The importance of trust and authenticity in the age of AI 
• Varying reader expectations when it comes to content — from social channels to search-driven website content and print articles 
• Current travel trends and their relevance to the Portuguese market 

The conference is an annual trade event run by Visit Portugal and invites a variety of experienced speakers to debate travel trends and exchange cutting-edge ideas.  
Find out more, here: visitportugalconference.pt  

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About APL Media  
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, producing high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors. Since 1997, it has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC, supported by brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. The portfolio also features Living360, a digital lifestyle brand covering wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture, distributed via national media and its own platform. APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns, editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also produced for national newspapers.  
aplmedia.co.uk