Since the 2008 global economic crisis, Portugal has been particularly hard hit by cycles of recession and a steady brain drain, with young people often opting to move abroad in search of higher salaries and better job prospects. Yet in a country where tourism and travel-related revenues account for around 12.7% of the country's GDP and where 26.5 million tourists arrive from abroad each year, the industry can lead the way in creating sustainable solutions and positive impact both socially and environmentally. It can also promote entrepreneurial leadership and job opportunities for young people.

TUI Futureshapers Portugal, in partnership with IRIS (Regional Incubator for Social Innovation) promotes social innovation in tourism by providing technical assistance to social entrepreneurship projects. This in turn contributes to a more dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and promotes positive impact in responsible tourism in Portugal.

The first phase of the programme took place in 2023 and 2024 and saw eight teams, with ideas in social innovation in tourism, receive a ten-month technical programme, including six months of training. This programme covered on-site masterclasses in Porto and Lisbon and wrapped up with a pitching event to public and private stakeholders.

TUI Futureshapers Portugal is now kicking off its second phase to provide the same opportunity to ten new projects. Online sessions in partnership with local organisations and on-site workshops are available in six Portuguese cities for 60 participants to engage with the topic of social entrepreneurship in tourism.

The best 10 project ideas will receive one-to-one sessions with a dedicated mentor from TUI Group, as well as a three-day on-site training programme and masterclasses on topics such as value proposal, financial planning, impactful business modelling, managing partnerships, measuring impact and digital marketing.

Additionally, during a final pitch competition in Lisbon, participants will present their enterprises to a panel of judges who will provide tailored feedback on each pitch. The best three ideas will receive a cash prize and continued support and guidance after the completion of the programme, so that they can progress to become independent, self-sustaining businesses.