"In 2023, Portugal received almost 30 million tourists which generated a tourist economy of around 25 billion euros in revenue. Our expectation is that in 2033 Portugal will be able to collect more than 56 billion euros in revenue globally and will be able to employ more of 1.2 million people and this could mean practically 20% of GDP" (Gross Domestic Product), said Pedro Machado, at the opening ceremony of the 17th edition of the QSP Summit, in Porto.

Under the theme 'Rethinking Organizations', this edition of the QSP Summit has the participation of more than 3,500 participants from 30 countries and more than 100 speakers.

Hailing the choice of the topic, which he considered "very timely", the Secretary of State for Tourism argued, however, that for the country to achieve this expectation, challenges persist, especially external ones, with the change in business models and competitiveness, with the dominance of Artificial Intelligence and the urgency of sustainability.

Defending that these are challenges for the State, public, and private organisations, Pedro Machado noted that the ability of organizations to adjust would also have repercussions in the area of ​​tourism, where he said there is "a complex and challenging equation" between sustainability, quality, and territorial cohesion.

The president of the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N), António Cunha, was also present at the ceremony, and highlighted the importance of rethinking organizations, both in the private and public sectors, remembering that the international context is "increasingly challenging", in addition to other challenges in terms of digital or environmental transition.

The vice-president of the Chamber of Porto, Filipe Araújo, considered the theme of this edition to be "of the greatest importance and relevance", arguing that both public and private organizations "have to be rethought and redefined in light of the present challenges in a world marked by uncertainty and volatility".