The government will invest 532 million euros in a bipartite tourism promotion plan for Portugal. “The Government’s strategy is structured around two pillars: the projection of Portugal as a destination in the world, leveraging endogenous assets (as set out in the Transformative Agenda), and the promotion of tourism at a regional level, as an instrument of territorial cohesion”, reads the proposal for the State Budget for 2026 (OE2026), delivered this Thursday, October 9, in Parliament.
The largest share of the budget is allocated to the international component, called ‘Projection of the destiny of Portugal in the World’ and whose allocation amounts to 442 million euros,
The Executive intends, in this way, to develop a set of actions, such as the launch of a specific program to expand air connectivity in conjunction with national and regional partners, which aims to encourage the opening of new, economically sustainable direct air routes.
Strengthening the internationalization of tourism companies and national brands and consolidating Portugal as a top destination in the highest value international markets, increasing the notoriety and reputation of the Portugal brand throughout the world, are other objectives explained in the document.
At an internal level, The Government will focus on promoting regional tourism with an investment of 90 million euros that will be allocated to three objectives: boost the offer of fluid travel and reduce the carbon footprint of tourist transport, through improving sustainable internal accessibility, in line with the offer of fast and more ecological rail connections between the main tourist hubs; increase innovation and digital transition in companies and destinations and accelerate the transition of companies towards sustainability and territorial regeneration.
The government also plans to launch of an Innovation Agenda for Tourism, defining priority areas for innovation (such as smart tourism, immersive experiences, sustainability, among others) and identifying incentives and support programs for innovative projects. This Agenda will serve to guide financing for startups and R&D projects. There are also plans calls specifically for tourism in existing open innovation programs and the creation of an international competition to attract innovative companies and solutions in the sector to Portugal”, it also reads.