
At the presentation of a joint cross-border tourism promotion strategy, representatives from Centro, Alentejo, and Spanish Extremadura emphasized the importance of collaboration between the regions. Speaking at the Lisbon Tourism Exchange, Anabela Freitas highlighted the need for a unified approach to position the area as a major global tourism hub.
Jesús Vinuales, Director of Tourism for Extremadura, praised the partnership as a reflection of strong relations between the three regions. He noted that Portugal plays a key role in differentiating tourism in Extremadura by offering visitors the opportunity to experience two countries in one trip. Once divided, these neighboring nations are now working together to create a seamless travel experience.
José Santos, president of Turismo do Alentejo, described the partnership as a way to turn a regional tourism offering into a commercial product. He stressed the importance of leveraging this collaboration to increase competitiveness, particularly during periods of lower demand.
Planned joint initiatives for the year include promotional events in Madrid and Lisbon in June, targeting both the media and the general public. In November, a business meeting in Elvas will bring together tourism industry leaders and government representatives from Central Portugal, Alentejo, and Extremadura to strengthen commercial ties.
The partnership provides travelers with the chance to explore two distinct countries within a single trip. With interconnected landscapes, cultures, and traditions, the regions offer a diverse range of tourism experiences. Attractions include natural sites such as national parks, biosphere reserves, geoparks, and lakes, as well as cultural and historical highlights like UNESCO World Heritage sites, castles, historic villages, gastronomy, and wines. By working together, these regions aim to promote their shared heritage while boosting tourism and economic growth.