Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how the Association of Portuguese Travel Bloggers works.
#1 What are ABVP’s goals and how does it operate?
The ABVP is an organisation which represents and defends the interests of travel bloggers . We exist with the mission of promoting the appreciation of the work of bloggers, empowering our members with tools and knowledge that enhance their skills, and contributing to create a group of professionals who work with clear rules of ethics and transparency.
For this purpose, we propose:
- To support travel bloggers in the various aspects of their activity as digital content producers (writing, photography, video, social media and technical issues, among others), as well as provide them with tools to help them become more successful entrepreneurs (business models, relationships with partners and legal and tax matters, among others);
- To stimulate professionalism in the industry and promote the appreciation of the work of travel bloggers in the eyes of external organisations, including traditional media and tourism-related organisations;
- To inform and educate the tourism sector on how to work with travel blogs ;
- To promote events – or be a partner thereof – that encourage networking in the tourism sector;
- To carry out studies – or collaborate therein – on the sector, disseminating them among our members.
#2 Who can join?
All Portuguese representatives of travel blogs who produce their own travel content. Preferably, though not exclusively, in the Portuguese language. They must always act in accordance with the values defended in the ABVP Code of Ethics.
Travel blogs which focus on specific tourism niches can also join, classic examples thereof being gastronomy, luxury travel and what are known as city blogs.
(NOTE: If a blog has two or more representatives, only one of them has the right to vote and sit on the ABVP’s administrative bodies, although they can all be members).
#3 What is a travel blog according to the ABVP?
The ABVP considers that a “travelblog ” is an online site that brings together personal travel stories actually lived by the author or his/her associates. The main content of the blog, in text format, must be related to these travel experiences, regardless of the perspective from which they are approached.
Therefore, projects that are mainly focused on news about the tourism or aviation market, or airline ticket promotions or similar, do not fall within the definition of a “travelblog ”. Similarly, blogs featuring content which is a mere reposting of information researched on the internet or taken from tourist brochures are not deemed to be travel blogs .
#4 Do I have to pay to join the ABVP?
Yes. As happens with any association, all members must pay an annual fee. In the association’s first year, this amount was set at €60. The income is not used to pay salaries – the entire management structure voluntarily contribute with their time, in addition to their membership fees – but rather to guarantee the normal administrative running of the organisation. It will also help to fulfil a plan of activities for members, as well as marketing activities.
#5 Why is it necessary to pay an annual fee?
All associations must be legally incorporated, as is the case of the ABVP. In addition to the costs involved therein, this association project has monthly functional expenses identical to those of a company, namely communications, accountancy, a website and its maintenance, a lawyer, among others.
Additionally, the more financial resources the ABVP has at its disposal, the greater its capacity to offer, for example, free or reduced-price workshops to its members.
#6 What is the assessment and approval process for a blog to become a member?
The ABVP favours a qualitative method of analysis. In other words, more relevant than the number of posts, unique visits or page views,we emphasise the quality of the content produced and the way it relates to readers and the market. The following characteristics will therefore be analysed:
- Relevant content: a blog that publishes personal travel stories or useful tips for the reader will be considered relevant. On the other hand, one that reproduces press releases and recycles texts researched on the internet or in brochures promoting destinations is considered non-relevant.
- Text quality: we believe that good use of the Portuguese language is fundamental – in cases where the blogger publishes in Portuguese (as is known, the ABVP favours blogs in Portuguese, but does not exclude Portuguese content creators who express themselves in another language) – therefore it is essential for bloggers to treat the Portuguese language well.
- Ethics towards readers: it is essential for bloggers to be transparent towards readers, clearly indicating whenever a post is sponsored or written with the support of third parties. Blogs which rely mainly on advertorials will not be accepted.
- Ethics towards the market: a blog which copies content – texts, photographs or other content – from other projects is deemed to have an unethical attitude.
#7 I do advertorials and sponsored trips. Can I become a member?
Yes. The ABVP is not against sponsored trips or posts, provided that this is clearly disclosed to readers (at either the beginning or the end of the article). For more information, please carefully read our Code of Ethics.
#8 I “only” do sponsored trips and/or mainly publish press releases sent by press offices or marketing departments. Can I become a member?
No. We have nothing against press releases and other informative content, but the ABVP believes that a travel blog should essentially share personal, authentic and original experiences.
#9 I don’t intend to make money from my blog, but I’d like to join. Can I become a member?
Yes. We respect each member’s decision as to what business model to follow (which of course may not even exist). Nevertheless, by receiving the “ABVP member blog” seal, your website will immediately be recognised as ethical and with relevant content, which may open doors for you and provide opportunities to monetise your work.
#10 What are the benefits offered by the ABVP?
Among many other benefits, by joining the ABVP you will become part of an organisation that legally represents Portuguese travel bloggers and their interests.
In the eyes of the market, the “ABVP member blog” seal will certify your website as to its quality and ethical principles. Once you’re a member of a legally incorporated organisation, with a recognised capacity to operate on the market and which takes care of the interests of its members, countless opportunities for partnerships and networking will certainly arise. Check out all the benefits.