Integrate for Tourism Programme launched to qualify migrants

The aim of the Integrate for Tourism Programme is to foster the professional integration of migrants and beneficiaries of international protection in the tourism, hotels, and restaurants sector. 

This initiative falls under the 60 measures of the Accelerating the Economy Programme and is the outcome of a partnership between Turismo de Portugal (Portuguese Tourism Board), the Hotels and Tourism Schools Network, AIMA (Integration, Migration and Asylum Agency), and the Portuguese Tourism Confederation (CTP).

Programme objectives

The Programme’s main objective is to offer qualification and employment opportunities to migrants and international protection beneficiaries through technical training and practical internships in sector companies. Through this measure, the Government aims to improve these groups’ integration in the labour market, thereby contributing to their social and professional inclusion in Portugal.

Who can take part?

The programme is for migrants and international protection beneficiaries who meet the following:

• Are over 18 years of age

• Are legal citizens in Portugal

• Normally reside in the country

• Have their social contributions in order

• Can express themselves in Portuguese or English.

Training and internships

The Integrate for Tourism Programme offers participants technical training in the fields of tourism, hotels, and restaurant services in the Hotel and Tourism Schools. Furthermore, an integrated internship will be offered, enabling practical learning in a sector company setting, making it easier for participants to be integrated in the labour market.

Supports and benefits

Programme trainees will be given a training grant, transport and meal allowances. Plus, the programme includes personalised support given to around 1000 immigrants with the aim of making sure everyone can benefit from qualified training and successful integration.

Schedule and applications

Applications to join the Integrate for Tourism Programme will run until 31 January 2025. The training will run from 17 February to 23 May 2025 and the internships will take place in June 2025.

Investment and impact

With an allocation of 2.5 million euros from the Turismo de Portugal budget, the Integrate for Tourism Programme is an initiative that boosts the Government’s commitment to the integration and qualification of migrants and international protection beneficiaries. This programme not only contributed towards social inclusion; it also places Portugal as a role model for hosting and integration in the tourism sector.

An opportunity for the future

The programme’s launch is a significant step towards promoting a more inclusive and competitive Portugal. Turismo de Portugal reinforces its commitment to supporting the training and integration of new professionals while contributing to the growth of the tourism sector, one of the Portuguese economy’s pillars.

For more information on the programme and how to apply, please access the Integrate for Tourism Programme website.