The Polytechnic University of Beja and Turismo de Portugal signed a cooperation protocol for the creation of the Higher Professional Technical Course in Border Tourism and Eurocity. The course starts in the 2026-2027 academic year and will operate at the Hotel and Tourism School of Vila Real de Santo António, located in the cross-border territory of the Eurocity Guadiana.
The Eurocity Guadiana integrates the Algarve municipalities of Vila Real de Santo António, Castro Marim, Alcoutim and Tavira, as well as the Alentejo municipalities of Mértola, Serpa, Moura and Barrancos. The partnership with Turismo de Portugal is considered particularly relevant as it provides a training framework directly related to one of the main economic activities of the region.
The Beja institution states that the creation of the course represents a commitment to bringing higher education closer to the needs of the territory and the opportunities arising from its strategic location on the border. The training of specialized professionals in border tourism and in Eurocity contexts can contribute significantly to the enhancement and development of the region.
UPBeja also highlights that the new course represents a strengthening of higher education provision in the territory and a commitment to qualifying professionals for a region where tourism, cross-border economic activity and cooperation between Portugal and Spain assume strategic importance.
