Portugal and Italy advance strategic tourism and climate initiatives

In Portugal, the tourism sector is undergoing strategic shifts. The country has reached 11th place in the World Economic Forum’s tourism competitiveness ranking. To build on this, President António José Seguro and Economy Minister Manuel Castro Almeida have called for a long-term strategy focused on sustainability, territorial cohesion, and improved wages. Key structural decisions, including the new Lisbon airport and the future of TAP, are viewed as essential for maintaining competitiveness over the next two decades.

In Italy, discussions are centering on redefining tourism as a formal industry rather than a secondary sector. Tourism Minister Gianmarco Mazzi emphasized that the sector integrates diverse fields like transport, culture, and technology. Industry leaders are advocating for a national strategy and a permanent dialogue table with the government to manage flows, improve profitability, and address challenges such as rising operating costs and labor shortages.

Additionally, Rome is strengthening its role as a global hub for climate and energy transition through a partnership between the Italian Ministry of Environment and the UNDP, which will also see the transfer of UNCDF directorial functions to the capital.