Preserving Portuguese Heritage through Sustainable Design: TUI Care Foundation’s Initiative in Lisbon

Addressing Tourism Challenges with Sustainable Solutions

Lisbon’s booming tourism sector has led to the replacement of authentic, locally produced goods with mass-produced, often environmentally harmful merchandise. This shift threatens the city’s cultural fabric and undermines sustainable and ethical business practices. To counter these effects, the TUI Care Foundation, a global entity committed to responsible tourism, launched the TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon project in partnership with Admirável Reino – Associação (Escola do Largo).

Empowering Young Designers for a Sustainable Future

The initiative trains 115 young adults (aged 18-38), including 60 financially vulnerable participants, in sustainable design and entrepreneurship. Featuring 12 specialized modules, the curriculum covers:

• Sustainable design principles
• Circular economy
• Fashion and product design
• Natural fabric dyeing
• Sustainable packaging
• Marketing and digital design
• Interior design

This comprehensive training equips participants to create innovative, culturally authentic tourism products that preserve Portuguese heritage while meeting sustainability standards.

Lisbon’s Creative Hub and Public Exhibitions

Situated in Lisbon’s historic Chiado district, the project establishes a creative hub where emerging designers use traditional and sustainable methods to develop products. Monthly exhibitions showcase these works to the public, facilitating connections between artisans, tourism businesses, and visitors. Additionally, study visits to sustainable hotels, suppliers, and design events provide real-world experience, deepening participants’ understanding of sustainable tourism practices.

Impact and Long-Term Vision

The project directly benefits young entrepreneurs by:

• Providing free tuition to financially vulnerable groups
• Organizing 22 events to promote sustainable design, including exhibitions and educational excursions
• Linking sustainable local products with the growing tourism market

This program supports Lisbon’s transition to sustainable development, preserving its unique culture and fostering a resilient local economy. It is part of the broader TUI Colourful Cultures Programme, which champions cultural heritage protection and creative empowerment in tourism destinations worldwide.

About the Partners

TUI Care Foundation is an independent charitable organization founded by TUI Group, one of the world’s leading tourism companies. It focuses on leveraging tourism for positive social and environmental impact through education, environmental protection, and community development globally.

Admirável Reino – Associação (Escola do Largo) is a Lisbon-based non-profit dedicated to cultural programming, artistic creation, and training. It champions social inclusion and political reflection through art, managing key creative spaces in the Chiado district.

For more details, visit the TUI Care Foundation website or contact Manuel Ferreira at manuel.ferreira@tui.com.

Published: November 27, 2025
Source: TUI Group Newsroom

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