Aldeias do Xisto are an 'entity with an exceptional and lasting impact on the tourism sector.' This recognition comes from the Secretary of State for Tourism, which has just awarded ADXTUR – the Agency for the Tourist Development of the Schist Villages – the Gold Medal of Tourism Merit. The distinction took place during the 7th Portuguese Tourism Summit, an initiative of the Portuguese Tourism Confederation, held today, September 27, marking World Tourism Day.
'Aldeias do Xisto have been creating and promoting goods and services that reflect their identity and have been enhancing them to meet the demands of audiences and markets focused on nature tourism and social responsibility. Today, they are the main tool for territorial attractiveness and coordinated supra-municipal action to enhance and mobilize the endogenous potential of the Pinhal Interior, generating economic activity and employment through tourism,' said ADXTUR president Paulo Fernandes. According to Fernandes, 'the villages are part of our identity' and should hold a prominent place in public policies. Therefore, 'it is with great joy, pride, and hope that the Schist Villages and all those who have fought over the past decades to establish the villages as a legitimate lifestyle option welcome and accept the highest distinction from the Portuguese State for Tourism,' he concluded.
Tourism Merit Medals are honors awarded by governments or official tourism entities to recognize individuals, organizations, or companies that have made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of tourism. These awards highlight the work, innovation, and development of activities that strengthen tourism as an economic and cultural driver.
7th Portuguese Tourism Summit
'Tourism is Value' was the theme chosen for the 7th Portuguese Tourism Summit, which once again brought together the main stakeholders in tourism in Portugal. The summit focused on strategic topics such as strengthening the factors that make tourism the driving force of the Portuguese economy; the challenges of aviation and rail; the uncertainties of global geopolitics; the role of tourism as a foundation for territorial development, as well as the risks and opportunities of the digital transition. Cross-cutting issues such as labor shortages, contextual costs, and fiscal policies were also addressed. The future of the sector, as an important factor of economic and social development, was also a key topic of reflection.
