On National Sustainability Day, the Porto Convention & Visitors Bureau and VARIAÇÕES - Associação de Comércio e Turismo LGBTI+ de Portugal joined forces in a pioneering protocol to promote inclusive and responsible tourism in the Porto and North of Portugal region, showcasing the region as a proactive example in promoting LGBTI+ tourism in Portugal.

On National Sustainability Day, 25 September, the Porto Convention & Visitors Bureau and VARIAÇÕES - Associação de Comércio e Turismo LGBTI+ de Portugal signed an innovative protocol for developing and promoting LGBTI+ Tourism in the Porto and North of Portugal region at the iconic Tramway Museum in Porto.

This protocol, signed between Porto Convention & Visitors Bureau, represented by its President, Luís Pedro Martins, and VARIAÇÕES, represented by its President Diogo Vieira da Silva, consolidates a mutual commitment to enrich diversity and inclusion in the region, with potentially significant economic and social benefits. The agreement aims to establish a strategic partnership to enhance communication and attract international tourists from the LGBTI+ segment, committing both organisations to collaborate in identifying the most effective means and tools for attracting tourist flows and conducting joint promotional activities.

Porto and North of Portugal region is a pioneer in incorporating LGBTI+ tourism as a strategic priority, being the first regional organisation to establish a protocol with this association and the only one that is a member of IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association.

It is worth noting that the LGBTI+ segment has significant economic potential, with studies indicating global spending of over 200 billion euros per year.

The partnership signing was attended by Luís Pedro Martins, President of Porto & North Tourism Board, as well as Catarina Santos Cunha, councillor for Tourism at the Porto City Council; Jan-Erik Ringertz, Cluster General Manager of Highgate Portugal; and Diogo Vieira da Silva, President of VARIAÇÕES.