The Significance and Responsibility of Portuguese Tourism: an opinion article on Dinheiro Vivo Magazine

Source: Dinheiro Vivo 

During the VII Tourism Summit, Portugal's Minister of Economy, Pedro Reis, emphasized that tourism is a "huge asset to the Portuguese economy." While this may seem like stating the obvious, it’s a crucial starting point for a broader discussion on tourism's substantial role in Portual's economic landscape.

With tourism accounting for nearly 20% of Portugal’s GDP, the sector is often described as the country’s "oil." However, much like oil-producing nations face risks from over-reliance on a single industry, the solution lies not in stunting tourism growth with more taxes or barriers but in fostering a competitive, dynamic tourism sector capable of generating qualified employment.

One path forward is to focus on diversification. Portugal has already established itself as a successful destination for niche tourism, with offerings ranging from surfing and golfing to adventure sports, diving, cultural experiences, gastronomy, and even religious tourism. Portugal caters to everyone, from young travelers seeking Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife to senior visitors flying in to explore the country’s rich history or religious landmarks.

The key to long-term success lies in this diversity. As Madeira has demonstrated, by reducing seasonality, tourism can thrive year-round. This requires a strategic approach from the government and its tourism body to ensure all types of travelers feel welcome and well-served.

A more complex, long-term challenge is ensuring we have the workforce to meet the growing demand. Many young professionals trained in hospitality schools or by major hotel chains are being lured by higher-paying jobs abroad or in multinational corporations. Consequently, hotels and restaurants are increasingly relying on migrant workers to fill these positions.

Read the original article, here!