Algarve Tourism and the University of Algarve, through the School of Management, Hospitality and Tourism, formalized a cooperation protocol that provides for the awarding of two scholarships to Tourism Degree students. One of the scholarships has a social character and is intended for a student with economic difficulties who has completed secondary education in Portugal, while the second distinguishes academic merit and will be awarded to the student with the best average from the first year.
The two scholarships will have a value equivalent to the annual tuition fees charged by the University of Algarve and may be renewed during the protocol's validity, provided that beneficiaries present proof of academic performance. The protocol seeks to combine social support with recognition of academic performance, reducing the weight of economic difficulties in access to higher education.
The president of Algarve Tourism, André Gomes, stated that this partnership represents the role that tourism should have in the region, contributing to the training of future professionals and supporting those facing greater difficulties in accessing education. The agreement also aims to strengthen the link between university education and the regional tourism sector, focusing on the qualification of human resources.
The cooperation will not be limited to financial support. Algarve Tourism commits to monitoring the beneficiary students and providing, whenever possible, integration in an internship at the end of the course. There is also provision for strengthening the approach to areas relevant to tourism activity in the Degree's study plans, at a time when training and the ability to attract professionals are becoming increasingly important for the sector.
