Very few visitors know that Lagos is not only the city of Lagos but it includes Odiáxere, Luz, Bensafrim and Barão de São João. The municipal footprint does not cover only the traditional and well publicised beaches, but it also offers many other interesting places and inland agricultural areas, which all contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region.
The Lagos residents, who love their city and want to share it with you. They have volunteered to become "Ambassadors" of the city. They offered to meet up with you, show you around and introduce you to the community as a friend.
This very much adds a new dimension to the concept of Social Networking - The only difference is, that it is a very real network and not a virtual one.
It is important to note that this programme does not replace nor substitutes the traditional role of the commercial tour operators. This programme does not operate nor compete in that market. We rather see this programme as a complementary service and initiative, which is from the community and for the community.
This guided site-seeing will give you an introduction to our city and will give you just about the right amount of time to find the city's best places for shopping, arts and culture, attractions, entertainment, cuisine and so much more.
If you are a resident and would like to participate in the program, we have various opportunities where you can assist and make a difference. So sign up as a volunteer and select the appropriate field. Or just sign up to become a Lagos Ambassador. Go to VIP Operations tab and select the appropriate area that you want to participate.
If you a visitor ... here’s your chance to see the real Lagos! ...
And if you are a local resident, here's your chance to meet visitors and show Lagos to others while building your own network of international friends!
The Lagos residents, who love their city and want to share it with you. They have volunteered to become "Ambassadors" of the city. They offered to meet up with you, show you around and introduce you to the community as a friend.
This very much adds a new dimension to the concept of Social Networking - The only difference is, that it is a very real network and not a virtual one.
It is important to note that this programme does not replace nor substitutes the traditional role of the commercial tour operators. This programme does not operate nor compete in that market. We rather see this programme as a complementary service and initiative, which is from the community and for the community.
How does the VIP Welcome Program work?
We have lined up an array of energetic, knowledgeable volunteers that are Lagos residents and act as its ambassadors. Who are ready, willing and able to show you their favourite parts of Lagos and to introduce you to some of their friends.- Tell us when you'll be visiting, when you have two to four hours of free time and what you would like to see.
- We'll match you up with a Local resident who shares your areas of interest and you'll be all set to go.
- Please give us at least one-week notice to make the match.
- We will then suggest to you the selected Ambassador, meet-up location and time, via e-mail.
- We will require your confirmation of arrangements via e-mail to finally confirm the booking.
- It is also important to note that these visits cannot be arranged for the first day of arrival in the city - just in case you are unavoidably delayed on your journey.
What to expect?
During your visit, your local friend will take you on foot and/or by public transport to scout out all the hidden gems as well as his or her personal favourite places.This guided site-seeing will give you an introduction to our city and will give you just about the right amount of time to find the city's best places for shopping, arts and culture, attractions, entertainment, cuisine and so much more.
About our Local Residents and Ambassadors
Our local residents that are the ambassadors love their city and it shows. They are proud, passionate volunteers who have dedicated their spare time to show you the best of Lagos. It's their way of saying: "thanks for visiting Lagos".Multilingual Local Residents and Ambassadors
Lagos is one of the most multi-cultural cities in the Algarve with over 17 different nationalities represented and thus showcasing many different cultures. Residents speak many languages. Whenever possible we try to link you with a Local resident that speaks your language. Although all of our Local Ambassadors speak English, and English is the official language of the program.You can expect a Lagos Resident and Ambassador to:
- Provide a two (2) to four (4) hour visit for up to six (6) people.
- Show visitors what Lagos is really like by taking you to one or more places that you might not see on your own. You will get to see Lagos the eyes of a local resident.
- Answer your questions and help orient you to the city.
- Explain the public transport system and show you how fast and easy it is to get around the city on buses.
- Recommend personal favourites: the lesser-known sights, great little shops and local restaurants that give each neighbourhood its special colour and flavour.
- Meet with you rain or shine.
- Highlight Lagos’ rich and remarkable cultural and ethnic diversity.
Things to Keep in Mind!
- Lagos Residents and Ambassadors are volunteer “friends,” not professional tour guides.
- Lagos Residents and Ambassador “visits” are not tours. There are no pre-set itineraries, theme tours or start times.
- You may submit only one (1) Lagos Resident and Ambassador linking request during your stay.
- To ensure that you will indeed be linked with a local resident we request that you submit your application at least three (3) to four (4) weeks before you are due to arrive in Lagos.
- Lagos Ambassador visits are subject to the availability of a volunteer Lagos local resident and Ambassador. Submitting a request does not guarantee the availability of a Lagos resident and Ambassador.
- Lagos Ambassadors meet no more than six (6) people at a time. Each group is matched with its own Lagos Ambassador; Lagos Ambassadors are never shared among groups.
- Lagos Ambassadors and visitors go on foot or use public transportation.
- Submit your Lagos Ambassador request after confirming your accommodations. Include your hotel/accomodation confirmation number on your Visit Request Form.
- Your accommodation must be within any of the parishes or within Lagos proper. This policy is in keeping with our mission of enhancing Lagos image and supporting local economic development.
- You must stay in lagos at least two (2) nights. Lagos Ambassador visits are not arranged for day of arrival or day of departure.
- Accommodations must have a local Lagos telephone number. At this time we are unable to accept cell phone numbers.
So how do you go about benefiting from this program?
First you must Register as a member of the VIP Welcome to Lagos Club, and pay its nominal annual fee, and then you can Book a Lagos local resident and Ambassador.If you are a resident and would like to participate in the program, we have various opportunities where you can assist and make a difference. So sign up as a volunteer and select the appropriate field. Or just sign up to become a Lagos Ambassador. Go to VIP Operations tab and select the appropriate area that you want to participate.
If you a visitor ... here’s your chance to see the real Lagos! ...
And if you are a local resident, here's your chance to meet visitors and show Lagos to others while building your own network of international friends!