The European University hosted the president of the Lisbon Region Tourism Authority, Carla Salsinha, in a meeting dedicated to the challenges and opportunities of tourism in the Lisbon region, reinforcing the link between academia and the tourism sector. In her speech, the Rector of the European University highlighted the importance of this partnership as an example of the institution's teaching model, based on the connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application. She also emphasized the strategic role of tourism as the country's main economic area and the relevance of new generations in innovation and anticipating trends in a constantly transforming global context. She also reinforced the European University's willingness to work in direct collaboration with sector entities, bringing real-world problems into the classroom and promoting solutions developed by students. In turn, Carla Salsinha highlighted the challenges faced by the Lisbon tourism region, which encompasses 18 municipalities. According to her, approximately 86% of tourism activity is concentrated in just four municipalities, making it essential to create strategies that promote greater tourism dispersion, generating value and territorial cohesion in the remaining territories. The president of the regional entity also highlighted the role of tourism as an engine of regional development and an “industry of peace and understanding,” advocating for the need to reconvert and reinvent tourism in a sustainable and inclusive way. During the session, a conceptual proposal for Tourism Awards for the Lisbon Regional Tourism Entity was also presented. Chef Júlio Fernandes also participated in the meeting.
