The school network welcomed 2,127 new students in initial training, surpassing the 2,115 registered in the previous year, with the opening lecture dedicated to the theme “New Generations: The Engine of Transformation in Tourism.”

President of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, took to the stage and said: “The network of Turismo de Portugal Schools is unique in the world, with 12 Hospitality and Tourism Schools, more than 50 international partnerships and more than 25 agreements with higher education institutions, with more than 50 nationalities represented,” Publituris reports.

Abade emphasised that “qualifying people is investing in the competitiveness, sustainability and innovation of the sector,” since “tourism is a people industry, and it is in people that we will continue to invest.”

The ceremony was also attended by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado.

Student recognition

Two students were recognised for excellence for the 2025/2026 academic year, and each received the diploma “Academic Excellence of Tourism of Portugal – Best Student of the 2025/2026 Academic Year”, along with a cash prize of 5,000 euros.

Zheyu Ye, from the Estoril School of Hospitality and Tourism and the Restaurant/Bar Technician professional course, was distinguished as the best student at level 4.

Oriana dos Santos Mendes, from the Viana do Castelo School of Hospitality and Tourism and the technological specialisation course in Restaurant and Beverage Management, was recognised as the best student at level 5.

School modernisation

The modernisation of Turismo de Portugal’s network of schools is an investment made within the framework of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). It includes a new digital infrastructure to support training and new learning environments in all classrooms, Publituris reports.

It also includes the renovation of kitchens, pastry shops, restaurants and teaching bars, sensory analysis and oenology rooms, which are equipped with the most advanced technologies from companies in the industry.

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