The “Training and Integration Programme for Migrants and Beneficiaries of International Protection in the Tourism Sector ” saw strong participation, with 5,378 applications and 1,299 places made available by 329 companies. Initially planned for a thousand participants, the programme was expanded to accommodate all registered interns, as part of the government’s “Accelerating the Economy” programme.
The application phase revealed a great diversity of nationalities, with candidates coming from 75 countries. Brazil is the most represented country, followed by Angola, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Lisbon had the largest number of applications (1,821), followed by Porto (931) and Setúbal (567). More than half of the candidates have an education equivalent to secondary school, and 59% are female.
The number of companies taking part also exceeded expectations, covering sectors such as hotels, restaurants, rural tourism and tourist entertainment. The training will be provided by the Portuguese Tourism Schools Network between 17 February and the end of May, with the creation of 40 groups of 25 trainees. Internships in companies will begin on 1 June and should all be underway by the end of October.
Pedro Machado, Secretary of State for Tourism, highlighted that the programme contributes to “strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of companies in the sector” and reinforces social inclusion. Carlos Abade, President of Turismo de Portugal, stressed that the significant uptake of the programme demonstrates its relevance for the job market and for professional qualifications in the sector.
The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Agency for Immigration and Mobility (AIMA), Turismo de Portugal and the Confederação do Turismo de Portugal, with the aim of strengthening the employability and qualification of migrants, responding to demographic and human resources challenges in the sector.