On 22 May, 2011, Sunvil Discovery an independent tour operator will launch its inaugural BMI (British Midland International) charter flight between London Heathrow and the Alentejo direct to Beja.

The Embraer 49-seat plane, with full catering and free 20 kilo luggage allowance, will operate on a weekly basis from Heathrow on Sundays, and will be the only direct flight route from the UK into what is an exciting new region to explore this year – The Alentejo.

Flights are planned until 9 October this year.

Prices start from around £462 per person, for a seven-night bed and breakfast package, including flights and transfers.

Sunvil clients can chose from a wide range of accommodation throughout the Alentejo, including the Casa da Eira in Vila Nova de Milfontes, and the award-winning Convento do Espinheiro, in Évora.

Beja will open as a civil airport with a 3.5 kilometre-long runway in April 2011, though the exact opening date has yet to be confirmed by national authorities.

Rural tourism and wine routes are concepts that are very popular with Northern European’s and it is hoped that ongoing negotiations will soon bring tourists from other countries, such as Germany.

Herdade dos Grous, which is part of the German-owned Vila Vita group, already enjoys a steady flow of German visitors all year-round, via their Algarve-based resort, but hopes are that it may now be possible for future visitors to fly directly into Beja, slashing travel time to reach the Herdade by more than an hour.

Work to convert Beja Airportfrom a military infrastructure into a civil international airport started in 2007, with an investment of €33 million.

Its progress has been controversial; consecutive delays in finalising work, obtaining certifications and confirming flights have been widely reported.