A few months ago I was contacted with an irrecusable challenge, perhaps one of the greatest of recent times: to join the group of founders of what is the first association in Portugal to unite travel bloggers. And, without further delay, here is the ABVP – Association of Portuguese Travel Bloggers.
The role of this organization cannot be more crucial at a time when travel blogs proliferate in Portugal, and there’s a real need to create guidelines and rules in the market, defend the rights of authors or even guide and encourage those who already have a blog in this segment or are now taking the first steps.
“We want to value the work of the travel blogger in the eyes of the market and external entities”
Filipe Morato Gomes
Alma de Viajante
And I couldn’t be in better company! The team of founders include bloggers that I truly admire and who, in fact, have made history in the travel blog world, such as Filipe Morato Gomes (Alma de Viajante), Rui Barbosa Batista (Born Freee), Catarina Leonardo (Wandering Life), João Leitão, (João Leitão Viagens), Carla Mota (Viajar entre Viagens), Pedro Henriques (Espírito Viajante), Sofia Machado (Sofia na Austrália), Ruthia Portelinha (O Berço do Mundo) and… me! 🙂
Well, my story is not that long, considering that Surfer Girl On The Move celebrated three years last January. But the rigor I’ve been trying to instill on this platform since day one and the quality information I always strive to offer were two of the reasons that led to the invitation to join this illustrious group. I couldn’t be more honored.
ABVP Wants to Support Travel Blogger’s Work
In fact, this will be one of the main challenges of the new ABVP – Association of Portuguese Travel Bloggers: create conditions in the market so that the work of travel bloggers is recognized and valued, but also rigorous.
“What we want is that the work of Portuguese travel bloggers is ever better, combining the rigor and ethics of journalism with the more intimate and experiential side that is part of the language of a blog.”
Rui Barbosa Batista
Born Freee
At the base of the creation of the association are guiding objectives like being a privileged interlocutor between tourism entities, local and international, and the Portuguese bloggers for paid partnerships. Also, encourage the exchange of knowledge among members and promote actions such as workshops, lectures or informal meetings. As well as create a code of ethics, to be followed by all members, and to allow greater transparency for readers and potential partners.
We are expecting times of hard work, but what’s not lacking are numerous ideas and a lot of willingness to take even further the travel bloggers work in Portugal. The sleeves are rolled up!
“One of my goals in founding the ABVP is to help bloggers look at each other as co-workers, not as competitors”
Catarina Leonardo
Wandering Life
For more information about the ABVP – Association of Portuguese Travel Bloggers or how to become an associate, check out the official website.
18 COMMENTS
Christopher Rudder
5 years agoBeing a part of a group that encourages everyone to excel and network each other is not a bad idea at all. I mean, blogging is a very effective medium to spread the word and be professionally acknowledged. It is time for us bloggers to be paid professionally. Wishing all the best for you guys 🙂
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORThank you so much, Christopher. That’s the goals we are aiming at.
Kathleen
5 years agoWhat a great group you belong to. It’s important that we support each other and not bring others down, both in the blogging world and it life. I hope that your group will be wildly successful.
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORThank you so much, Kathleen. Happy travels!
Dorene
5 years agoThis sounds like a very useful association. I love the idea of a code of ethics and collaboration and support instead of competition and of course making blogging seen as a credible industry. This information will even be useful for bloggers that travel to Portugal and write about it. Perhaps there are some practices relevant for traveling bloggers.
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORThanks, Dorene. We have high hopes for this association 🙂
Indrani
5 years agoThat is such a good idea of encouraging all and not being a competitor. I am sure this group will be helpful for tourists, travelers and other bloggers around the world.
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORThanks, Indrani. That’s also our wish!
Claire
5 years agoThis is one of the best things about the travel blogging community – it really is a community! It is great to come together and share ideas, support each other and work together!
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORThat’s our thought, Claire. If we all work together everybody wins 🙂
Nisha
5 years agoThat’s a fantastic news! I know a few Portuguese influencers and agree with you on their capabilities and talent. Congratulations on the association. May this grow fast.
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORThank you so much for your words, Nisha!
Claudia
5 years agoCongratulations on the formation of your new association. Finding a supportive environment with like-minded colleagues is so important in any profession.
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORThank you so much, Claudia!
Jenn and Ed Coleman
5 years agoI loved reading about ABVP. I especially loved how they wanted to recast fellow bloggers as collaborators and not competition. Paid blogging represents such a small fraction of the travel promotion economy that there should be sufficient funds to go around if the value (and responsibility) of blogging is realized and actively promoted. BTW, congratulations on your 3=year blogiversery.
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORThank you so much!! And thanks for your comment. Happy travels!
Tami
5 years agoCongratulations! What an honor to be invited to join the AVBP — organizations like this would be nice everywhere. I’m still surprised by how many people don’t even understand what bloggers do.
Marlene Marques
5 years ago AUTHORSo true, Tami. Today, blogging is so much more than a hobby. Bloggers are true professionals and must be seen like that.