Sustainability is increasingly being recognised as an essential pillar in the tourism and hospitality sector, requiring professionals who are capable of rising to the environmental, social and economic challenges both of the present and the future. Aware of this reality, Turismo de Portugal has been incorporating sustainability as a structural axis of the training provided in its schools.
This approach goes beyond traditional practices, investing in active and integrated learning that includes not only curricular content focusing on sustainability but also practical experiences, participatory visits, collaboration with external entities and actions developed under the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social and economic. These activities allow students to adopt conscious behaviours and contribute to a more balanced and responsible sector from early on.
In this context, and with the aim of systematising and giving visibility to the work developed in this area, the Directorate of Skills Management and Capacity Building publishes the annual Sustainability Report of the Social and Environmental Responsibility Programme, through the Department of Pedagogical Management and Innovation:
The 2024 edition shows a positive and consistent evolution:
_ a 4.8% increase in actions and activities developed in the scope of sustainability;
_ 15.2% more hours dedicated to these initiatives;
_ growth of 15.6% in the number of people impacted;
_ seven schools in the network recognised with the anti-corruption school seal, one more than the previous year.
These data highlight the continued commitment by Turismo de Portugal schools to providing training that prepares future professionals not only for the technical demands of their jobs but also for their active role in building fairer, more responsible and more sustainable tourism.
