Turismo de Portugal presented the second edition of the Training and Integration Programme for Migrants and Beneficiaries of International Protection in the Tourism Sector today at the Lisbon Geographical Society, reinforcing its commitment to skills development, inclusion and the promotion of talent.
In April, 1,000 places will open for the second edition of the Integrar para o Turismo Programme. The initiative introduces new features such as longer internships, increased funding for participants, a stronger focus on languages and the introduction of a financial literacy module, amongst others. These changes aim to maximise the programme’s impact and ensure more consistent responses to the needs of participants and businesses.
This new edition is justified by the ongoing need for skilled workers in the tourism industry, the positive outcome of the first edition, and the growing interest shown by the migrant community in Portugal.
The programme now has a new strategic partner, the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (Instituto para o Emprego e Formação Profissional-IEFP), which joins Turismo de Portugal, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) and the Portuguese Tourism Confederation (CTP). This expansion strengthens an even closer partnership between the organisations, which will undertake a more systematic and coordinated monitoring of all phases of the project, with a view to maximising its impact, whilst also ensuring consistency and effectiveness.
The programme’s central objective remains the training and integration of migrants and beneficiaries of international protection within the tourism sector, through specialised training and a strong practical component in a business context. This initiative continues to establish itself as a strategic tool for the development of the sector and for the empowerment of people.
Training at the Portuguese Tourism Network of Schools and Work Placements in Companies
The programme comprises three months of training at the Portuguese Tourism Network of Hospitality and Tourism Schools and three months of work placement at partner companies. The work placement period has been extended from one to three months, primarily in response to the actual needs identified by companies during the programme’s first edition. Furthermore, by allowing for a longer period of learning in a real-world work environment, it increases the likelihood of successful professional integration.
The training is delivered at the 12 Tourism of Portugal Schools, where participants will develop skills in communication, languages, Portuguese culture and specific catering and accommodation techniques, with a curriculum tailored to the sector’s needs. The training component includes several new features, namely the strengthening of the language component, the introduction of a financial literacy module and the introduction of a component to promote employability, with content related to CV preparation, job interviews and employment legislation, preparing participants for more autonomous management of their financial lives and for informed decisions regarding their journey in Portugal. The programme offers personalised support, including a grant, transport and meals.
Increased funding and a new registration platform
It is also worth noting the increase in funding for migrants, as the investment already provided by Turismo de Portugal is now supplemented by support from the IEFP. This increase, which also stems from the fact that the training and internship periods have been extended, takes the form of support rising from the equivalent of 4 IAS (Social Support Index) in the first edition to the equivalent of 7 IAS in this second edition.
This ensures better conditions for participation throughout the training and work placement. This additional support aims to reduce the financial constraints that often hinder the integration process, ensuring that all participants have the practical means to successfully complete the programme.
As alterações visam fortalecer o programa, tornando-o mais inclusivo, mais eficaz e melhor alinhado com os desafios identificados na edição anterior.
In addition, this edition features a new registration platform, available from April, which enables more efficient, effective and integrated management of applications, in line with the other programmes run by Turismo de Portugal.
