"We still have room to grow, although more important than growing in the number of tourists is growing in the appreciation of tourism, in the value that tourists pay to be in Portugal, which is the way to increase the income of those who work" in the sector, said Manuel Castro Almeida in statements to journalists in Porto, on the sidelines of the signing of financing contracts for 12 tourism projects under the "Growing with Tourism" program.

Not dependent on tourism

For the Minister, it is not true "that the country is overly dependent on tourism" or has "too much tourism": "Tourism is pulling the country upwards, it adds to our product, improves our trade balance and is a very important activity. In one week or another of the year, in one or another point of the country, there may be too much tourism, but in the country as a whole, throughout the year, we do not have too many tourists," he countered.

In this regard, Castro Almeida observed that "there are tourism initiatives that tourism entrepreneurs undertake on their own and do not need state support," but "there are other smaller initiatives, especially in the interior of the country, to enhance cultural and natural heritage, which are very important, attractive, and new to foreigners" and which need to be "made known."

Tourism projects

He emphasised that the financing contracts signed in Porto are specifically for tourism projects of this type, providing €4.5 million in support to 12 initiatives, for a total investment of approximately €11 million.

The supported projects are distributed across the North, Central, Alentejo, and Ribatejo regions, focusing on the development of nature, gastronomic, active, wellness, and cultural and heritage tourism, with public, private, and associative entities as beneficiaries.

"These grants we provide are primarily for municipalities or associations operating in the interior of the country that need public support to enhance these regions," emphasised the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion.

In turn, the president of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, stressed that the contracted projects "allow for the enhancement and qualification of the territory, highlighting the richness and diversity of resources" and "allowing for the creation of better conditions so that tourism activity can generate ever greater value and so that the country can be increasingly prosperous and cohesive, in line with the purpose and vision for the future of tourism in Portugal."

The projects were supported under the "Growing with Tourism" Program, launched in February 2025 with a budget of €30 million, which aims to "promote the sustainable development of territories, with a special focus on social and environmental responsibility, as well as on investing in the qualification, innovation and enhancement of tourism resources, reinforcing the role of tourism as an engine of social cohesion and economic growth."

The areas of intervention covered include projects for the creation of tourism products, the promotion of smart territories, the enhancement of historical and cultural heritage, the promotion of sustainability, obtaining certifications for destinations, urban regeneration and the revitalisation of establishments with history, as well as the training and capacity building of vulnerable groups for the tourism sector and the development of tourism initiatives based on community and multiculturalism.