The National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAV) expressed satisfaction with the recognition of tourism as a strategic sector in the State Budget for 2026.
A association highlighted measures such as strengthening Portugal’s international promotion, investments in air connectivity and digitalization and sustainability initiatives, considering them “positive”.
Miguel Quintas, president of ANAV, stated that “the Government demonstrates vision by reinforcing the internationalization and sustainability of the sector, but there is still a lack of a concrete response to the operational needs of travel agencies, which are the ones who take Tourism to the field”.
Although six of the ten measures proposed by ANAV find partial correspondence in the budget, the association emphasizes that significant gaps persist in key areas.
Among the measures not complied with, the most notable is the reduction in VAT on intermediation services, which has not changed, and the lack of a voucher program for young people, which could stimulate domestic demand.
“ANAV wants to work together with the Government so that the next amending budget includes measures with a direct impact, such as subsidy for domestic tourism and the creation of a refundable line of credit for travel agencies”, added Miguel Quintas.
ANAV reaffirmed its availability to collaborate with public and private entities, aiming to build a tourism policy that values both international attraction and the strengthening of the domestic market and the modernization of travel agencies in Portugal.