Following
Storm Kristin and the significant damage caused in various parts of the country,
Regulatory Order No. 1-A/2026 of 9 February created the - O
Turismo Acolhe (Tourism Welcomes) programme - an exceptional emergency measure aimed at
providing temporary accommodation for people who have been left without habitable conditions in their main residences, as well as for public entity and association workers assigned to reconstruction efforts in the municipalities concerned.
Based on the installed capacity of the tourism sector and its role as a factor of economic and social cohesion, the programme mobilises operators of tourist developments and local accommodation to provide accommodation units in an emergency context, with the option of accessing financial support provided by Turismo de Portugal if they so wish.
The programme therefore requires the voluntary participation of these companies, whose collaboration is essential to ensure the effective provision of accommodation in emergency situations. Participation in the programme is a necessary condition for companies to be able to apply for their accommodation units to be included in this exceptional response.
The following may benefit from the programme:
_ persons whose main residence is in one of the municipalities covered by the state of calamity, whose need for temporary accommodation is proven by a statement issued by the respective municipal council;
_ employees of public entities and associations assigned to reconstruction work in the municipalities concerned, provided that the expenses are not covered by the respective entities, as demonstrated by a statement issued by Turismo de Portugal, upon indication by those entities.
The programme will remain in force until 28 February 2026 and may be extended depending on how the situation develops on the ground.
Turismo de Portugal is responsible for managing the programme, making payments to participating companies that opt for financial support, and monitoring its correct implementation, in conjunction with business associations in the sector.
