Portugal has set out a plan for the next three years as part of its long-term goal to become one of the most sustainable destinations worldwide by 2027.
National Tourism Board of Portugal president Luis Araujo said the Covid-19 pandemic had acted as a catalyst with regards to sustainability, speeding up the tourist board’s plans after the issue was forced higher up the global agenda.
Portugal’s new sustainable tourism plan, up to 2023, is due to take effect from January 26, 2021, focusing on four key areas.
It will look at how the country can structure its destination in a more sustainable way, through investment in tourist establishments and training on sustainability; increase awareness in the tourism sector of the importance of sustainability; promote Portugal as a sustainable destination, and put clear metrics in place to show what the country is doing and its plans to do to improve its tourist areas.
Araujo said: “This plan will be effective after January. We think this is important not just because it’s a concern from customers but because we think that we have to be a sustainable destination. We think it’s vital for our long term survival.
“We are providing funding to companies on implementation of new efficiency measures.”