National Strategic Tourism Plan (PENT)
Invest in Tourism
The financing of investment in tourism is handled by Tourism Portugal I.P., a public entity whose mission is to promote the valorisation and sustainability of tourism activities and ventures in Portugal, namely in providing technical and financial support to public and private entities in the tourism sector and in managing the respective instruments of financial support to investment.
Project support of a business or infrastructural nature have as their priority the realisation of the objectives states in the National Strategic Tourism Plan (PENT), among which we should highlight the dynamisation of new tourism hubs and strategic tourism products, the promotion of events projected to and geared to a more international base, the renovation of certain areas and destinations, a well as the promotion of innovation and the strengthening of business competitiveness through the following support mechanisms:
- Credit to Investment in Tourism – Protocols with Banks (2007-2009)
Line of credit reserved for investments of a business nature, resulting from the partnership established between Tourism Portugal, I.P. and the financial sector, targeting economically and financially viable tourism projects which, in accordance with the priorities laid out in the PENT plan, will contribute to increased quality, innovation and competitiveness in the range of offerings in the Portuguese national tourism sector.
- Tourism Intervention Programme – PIT (2007-2009)
Non-reimbursable support reserved for investments of an infrastructural nature that will contribute to the realisation of the strategy defined in the PENT plan, whose projects, individually or as a whole, will add greatly to the development of tourism centres/hubs, the development or consolidation of strategic tourism products and the renovation of tourism destinations, as well as the support for relevant events aimed at promoting the prominence and distinction of Portugal as a tourism destination.
- National Strategic Reference Framework – NSRF/QREN (2007-2013)
Integrated financial incentives in diverse Operational Programmes for the period of 2007-2013 (Structural and Cohesion Funds) applicable to investment in tourism, of a business and infrastructural nature.
Beyond financial incentives managed and co-managed by Tourism Portugal, I.P., we highlight other support instruments equally applicable to companies in the tourism sector, namely:
Private mechanism, mutualist, supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises regarding the rendering of financial services to aid in the access to credit and state-funded financial support in force.
Participation of minority and temporary social capital in the social capital of companies in the tourism sector as a way to strengthen financing associated with the respective businesses.
Operations of acquisition and renting of real estate intended for tourism ventures which allows for the separation of real estate asset property and hotel management issues in order to allow businessmen to concentrate on the company’s core business.
Investor Line (toll free call): 808 209 209
apoioaoinvestidor@turismodeportugal.pt
Discovering Portugal
Visit Portugal (http://www.visitportugal.com/)
Portugal is situated in the extreme south-western part of Europe, and in the Atlantic it includes the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira. Continental Portugal occupies an area of 88,889 km2, enjoying 832 km of Atlantic coastline. Portugal has a population of about 10.3 million inhabitants.
Portugal, the western-most country in European and one of its oldest, was founded in the middle of the 12th century, yet today it is a modern and dynamic country that has been a member of the European Union since 1986.
Featuring a temperate climate with many hours of sunshine, a wide range of landscapes, a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity, world-class gastronomy, fine wines, a warm and welcoming people and a wide range of leisure and entertainment offerings, Portugal is a prime destination for the savvy tourist. Just a few hours’ journey from almost all European countries, Portugal attracts visitors from around the world.
In a country whose shores are washed by the Atlantic, Portugal boasts 850 km of coastline with beaches appealing to any taste, from the more secluded stretches of sand to the more lively and cosmopolitan beaches. Whether on the continent or on the Islands, there are parks, nature reserves and protected wildlife areas that safeguard Portugal’s precious natural heritage, providing the best scenario for the practice of many different sporting activities. Given its exceptional climate, Portugal is rightly recognised on the international level as a destination for golfers who find golf courses open all year round.
From north to south, from the Azores to Madeira, there exists a unique cultural patrimony in the monuments and sites that have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage. Of prominent mention are Manueline art and Portuguese Tile-making, yet there are still more art forms and traditions of a 1,000-year old culture that has shaped itself over the centuries. Fado music continues to hold Portugal’s place on the stage of world music.
The entire territory north of the Douro River is designated for promotional purposes as “Oporto and the North of Portugal” and includes the geographical names of Oporto, the Minho, the Douro and the Trás-os-Montes. It was in this part of Portugal that the country was founded, and the historical and natural heritage is second only to the hospitality of the locals. As for protected nature parks, of mention is Portugal’s only national park in the mountains of the Serra Peneda-Gerês. Another product from the north is port wine, which is produced in the Douro River valley, well-known throughout the world.
In the Beiras province, an area lying between the Douro and Tagus Rivers, the cities of Aveiro, Coimbra, Viseu, Guarda and Castelo Branco are the starting-off point for the discovery of a region full of contrasts. The fishermen’s towns along the coast, the pristine historical towns and the Serra da Estrela Natural Park in the interior, the practice of sport and other outdoor activity are all calling visitors to stop by and wander about the Beiras. The Greater Lisbon Area encompasses not only the capital but also a wider-ranging area for the most varied of interests, from the offerings of historical heritage sites and religious tourism to nautical sports and other leisure activities. A short journey from Lisbon is the Estoril Coast and the romantic town of Sintra, or even Óbidos and Tomar, places of great cultural interest farther afield, or even Fátima, one of the most celebrated Marian sanctuaries in the world.
Farther south are the golden plains of Portugal and its protected coastal areas, making up the region called the Alentejo. Évora, a World Heritage city, the walled cities of Marvão and Monsaraz, and the city-museum of Mértola are only a few examples of the patrimony to be found here, a region rich in the mingling of Roman, Moorish and Jewish cultures. The Algarve is one of the destinations inside Portugal that is most recognised around the world. Lots of sea and fine weather, sunshine and beaches make up the image of relaxing holidays but also of the whole region. Year-round golf at some of Europe’s best golf courses has become an important investment in the Algarve and a hallmark throughout the Tourism Region. The Atlantic Islands are two refuges that preserve nature’s beauty and truly deserve a prolonged visit.
The nine islands that make up the Azores are the ideal destination to rest and relax, a place where geological features in nature can easily be seen and where the harmonious landscape sculpted by man come together for a splendid moment of discovery.
In Madeira, an exceptional climate with year-round temperatures between 16ºC and 25ºC, the well-kept and lush vegetation, the wealth of historical sites, excellent hotels and excellent service are enough to satisfy even the most demanding tourists.
Gambling and Gaming Zones
There are various zones in Portugal where gambling is permitted.
Tourism Portugal oversees and inspects the operations of gambling establishments in Portugal, and in particular:
- Assures the highest degree of compliance to legal and contractual or disciplinary norms in the field;
- Guarantees the proper application of the rules of games of chance as well as monitors the instruments/equipment in use;
- Guarantees the correct and well-time liquidation, payment and distribution by the beneficiary entities of fiscal revenues and other income of a monetary nature generated by the sector;
- Arbitrates the interests of concessions grantees, workers and patrons to gambling halls;
- Assesses penalties or sanctions against concessions grantees, workers and patrons for infractions committed.
Regulations: (http://www.turismodeportugal.pt/Portugu%c3%aas/AreasActividade/actividadedejogo/regulacao/Pages/testes.aspx)
Training
http://www.inovjovem.gov.pt/presentationlayer/primeinov_Home_00.aspx
http://www.networkcontacto.com/
Tourism Portugal promotes training in various areas related to tourism as a way to prepare young people for their first jobs and to increase the qualifications of professionals in the sector who intend to develop and seek certification for their skills.(http://www.turismodeportugal.pt/Portugu%c3%aas/AreasActividade/formacao/Pages/Formacao.aspx)
Associations
Portuguese Tourism Confederation
ANRET - National Association of Tourism Regions (currently without a website)
ADETURN –Tourism North of Portugal http://www.visitportoenorte.com
Lisbon Tourism Association http://www.atl-turismolisboa.pt/
APECATE - Portuguese Association of Congress Companies
http://www.aope.net/APECATEWeb/homepage.do2
APAVT - Portuguese Association of Travel Agencies
http://www.apavtnet.pt/
AHP - Associação dos Hotéis de Portugal http://www.hoteis-portugal.pt/
AHETA - Association of Hotels and Tourism Enterprises of the Algarve
http://www.aheta.pt/
AIHSA - Association of Hotels and Associated Industries of the Algarve
(currently without a website)
ARESP - Association of Restaurants and Associated Industries of Portugal
http://www.aresp.pt/
TURIHAB - Residential Tourism Association
http://www.turihab.pt/