World Tourism Day regional celebrations

Municipalities in Portugal and Brazil are organizing various activities to mark World Tourism Day on September 27.

In Portugal, celebrations have expanded to include the intersection of technology and heritage. Oeiras and Cantanhede are focusing on the theme of ‘Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,’ featuring interactive AI experiences and seminars regarding how algorithms influence travel choices. Other regions continue to emphasize local identity through diverse programming: Silves highlights the carob industry; Vila Velha de Ródão, Covilhã, Seia, and Anadia offer immersive tours of historical and natural sites, nature trails, and industrial history, or provide free museum entries. Gastronomy also remains a central pillar of these regional efforts.

In Porto de Mós, celebrations held on September 26 and 27 focused on showcasing local territory and natural resources. The program included free visits to the Castle of Porto de Mós, workshops for cheese and bread production, electric bike tours through the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros, and mushroom foraging. A seminar on the role of artificial intelligence in citizen science was also conducted. The initiative attracted international visitors from various countries, including Spain, Brazil, Ukraine, Canada, the United States, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Israel. To support the local economy, the municipality provided welcome kits with local products to overnight guests and offered activity discounts.

In Brazil, festivities emphasize cultural diversity and professional growth. Sorocaba is hosting the 4th Nations Festival at Parque das Águas, which includes international artistic performances and global gastronomy. In Várzea Grande, the local government continues to support tourism entrepreneurs through free training programs and workshops covering digital content production, economic opportunities, and credit access for the sector.