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Turismo de Portugal has created a network of regional sustainability observatories that reinforces the country’s mission to position itself as one of the most competitive and sustainable tourist destinations in the world.

The Destination Watch network aims to foster collaboration among regions in monitoring sustainability and developing best management practices in the tourism sector. Portugal thus becomes the first country to have sustainability observatories in all of its regions.

The launch took place on July 2 at the Technology-Based Incubation Center at the Estoril School of Hospitality and Tourism, and was attended by the President of Turismo de Portugal. Carlos Abade argues that sustainability in tourism “is unavoidable,” and that progress toward it is made at the local level, “by focusing on both environmental and social sustainability.” “If we cannot measure and monitor [each region], it will be difficult to adopt public policies and act in a coordinated manner.” The President of Turismo de Portugal noted that each region has its own specificities and characteristics, but highlighted the positive impact that integrating regional observatories into a single network has on strategic alignment. “This is an absolutely central project,” he concluded.

The tourism observatories of the Azores, Alentejo, Algarve, and Centro were also present at the launch, where they presented some of the projects developed in recent years, as well as current and emerging challenges in each tourist region. It should be noted that these four observatories are already part of INSTO—the UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories—while the remaining ones—North, Lisbon, and Madeira—are expected to be integrated by the end of 2024.