Turismo de Portugal is set to increase its support for regional tourism entities by 20%, as announced by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce, and Services,

Nuno Fazenda.

Nuno Fazenda stated, "It was a decision that I already made and communicated to the president of Turismo de Portugal, ensuring a 20% increase in support from Turismo de Portugal to regional tourism entities."

This decision comes as a response to the call for a budget update for regional entities made by Raul Almeida during his inauguration speech. Fazenda emphasized the importance of providing more voice, strength, and resources to the regions, acknowledging that greater funding for regional entities can further enhance their roles.

Fazenda emphasized the crucial role played by regions in the tourism sector and their significance in promoting and developing their respective territories.

During his address, the government official also highlighted the remarkable achievements of the tourism industry in Portugal, stating that the first half of 2023 marked "the best semester ever in the history of tourism." This growth was evident in both overnight stays and tourist revenue.

However, Fazenda acknowledged existing challenges in the sector, notably the shortage of labor. He emphasized the need to take action on multiple fronts to attract talent to the tourism sector and improve qualifications. Additionally, Fazenda stressed the importance of increasing the average salary in the industry, which currently lags behind the national economic average. To address these labor-related challenges, he proposed exploring the recruitment of foreign workers as a potential solution.