The Portugal News previously reported on the ‘Stay Cool’ initiative, which offers non-repayable funding covering 80% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of €75,000 per individual application or per entity participating in a joint application.

“Adapting to climate change is a priority for the tourism sector today. We already have over 100 climate refuges across 47 municipalities, and we aim to increase that number,” said Carlos Abade, President of Turismo de Portugal, as quoted in the statement.

The funding, provided through the Crescer com o Turismo (Growing with Tourism) program, covers features such as drinking fountains and bottle-filling stations, misting systems and water features, shade trees, pergolas, seating areas, and mobile phone charging stations.

Applications are now open and will continue until the one-million-euro budget is exhausted.

Climate refuges are spaces designed to provide comfort and protection during periods of intense heat.

Locations of existing refuges can be viewed at https://refugiosclimaticos.turismodeportugal.pt/.