Tourism education initiatives in Portugal

Educational initiatives in Portugal are expanding to support the regional tourism sector through new academic programs and financial aid.

In the Algarve, Turismo do Algarve and the Universidade do Algarve (UAlg) established a protocol to provide two scholarships for students in the Tourism Degree program at the Escola Superior de Gestão, Hotelaria e Turismo. These scholarships, which cover annual tuition fees, are designated for both social support and academic merit. The partnership also includes monitoring beneficiaries and facilitating internships to strengthen ties between academia and the regional tourism industry.

Additionally, the Universidade Politécnica de Beja (UPBeja) partnered with Turismo de Portugal to launch a Professional Higher Technical Course (CTeSP) in Border and Eurocity Tourism for the 2026-2027 academic year. Based at the Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo de Vila Real de Santo António, the curriculum focuses on the Eurocidade Guadiana cross-border territory, spanning parts of the Algarve and Alentejo regions. The program aims to train professionals to support economic activities and cooperation between Portugal and Spain.