Turismo do Porto e Norte has the mission of enhancing the aggregation, promotion, and distribution of authentic and sustainable tourism products and services in the Porto and Northern Portugal destination. This is achieved through cooperation with its members, investment in technology, knowledge creation and sharing, and the modernization of visitor support services.

Climate action

In September, we launched the “Be Sustainable Tourism” Program – I’M IN SUSTAINABILITY Movement. This private sector-led initiative includes a set of commitments that companies must adhere to in order to initiate or accelerate the transformation and innovation of their operations, making them more sustainable. Within the framework of the four defined pillars (environmental, cultural, economic, and social), we highlight the environmental commitments:

• Creating and managing offers that prioritize the careful protection and preservation of natural resources and the environment
• Developing and sharing content that fosters a deep scientific and environmental understanding of the tourist experiences provided
• Ensuring the reduction of water footprint in operations
• Becoming an energy-efficient operation
• Achieving Net Zero Emissions
• Operating with low waste generation

These commitments translate into concrete actions that must be implemented by businesses.

Beyond the Movement and the “Be Sustainable Tourism” Program, we are also implementing the following initiatives:

• Certification process
• Creation of the role of Sustainability Manager
• Training teams on sustainability
• Improving working conditions (telework options, free physical activities, birthday leave, staff lounge and outdoor space, free water and coffee at the office, etc.)
• Enhancing waste separation (training sessions for employees in partnership with Porto Ambiente, provision of dedicated waste separation containers)
• Marketplace for experiences (digitalization and sustainability-focused initiatives)
• Renewing promotional materials (reducing product variety, prioritizing local and sustainable products, and working with socially responsible partners)
• Setting up an organic garden at our premises from September onwards
• Environmental and social partnerships (e.g., partnership with Associação Cais/Lipor to collect end-of-life materials from accommodation providers to fill beanbags for public spaces)
• Responsible Tourism and Natural Heritage (pilot project at Miradouro de São Leonardo de Galafura)
• Waste reduction at events (defining sustainability criteria for event planning)

Testimony

With this partnership, we aim to contribute to the decarbonization goal, ensuring the sustainable management of tourism and its activities.

Since sustainability certification is crucial for the management and promotion of tourism destinations, Turismo do Porto e Norte, in a mission to lead by example, will initiate a certification process following the principles of the GSTC – Global Sustainable Tourism Council, an internationally recognized entity of which we are proud members.