Tourexpi
Though
the tourism landscapes of Portugal and the MENA region (including Egypt,
Tunisia, and Morocco) differ greatly, they share a common challenge: despite
their strong tourism sectors and rich cultural and natural heritage, local
entrepreneurs often face significant obstacles when trying to establish or
scale micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. These challenges include
limited access to support networks, markets, and financing.
To
address this, the TUI Care Foundation has launched two new initiatives within
its global TUI Futureshapers programme. These programmes aim to foster a
culture of socially driven entrepreneurship that creatively addresses social
and environmental issues—positioning tourism as part of the solution to local
development challenges.
Portugal:
nurturing social entrepreneurship in tourism
Following
a successful first phase in 2023–2024, the TUI Futureshapers Portugal programme
will once again support tourism-focused social entrepreneurship. In partnership
with IRIS (Regional Incubator for Social Innovation), the programme offers
online sessions and in-person workshops in four Portuguese cities for up to 60
participants.
Up
to ten promising project ideas will be selected to receive personalised
one-to-one mentoring from TUI Group professionals, participate in a three-day
intensive training programme, and join masterclasses on key business topics.
The programme concludes with a pitch event in Porto, where participants present
their business concepts to potential investors and partners. The top three
projects will receive a cash prize and further incubation support over a
six-month period.
North
Africa: creating jobs and connecting communities
In
North Africa, the TUI Futureshapers programme—run in partnership with the
enpact Foundation—focuses on building entrepreneurship in rural areas and
developing sustainable tourism experiences that connect indigenous communities
with travellers.
The
programme begins with “ideation marathons” involving 100 participants to raise
awareness about entrepreneurship and provide networking opportunities. In the
next phase, 50 individuals will receive training and mentoring and take part in
pitch events. Eight teams will receive monthly financial support, free
co-working space at enpact’s Startup Haus in Cairo, and additional mentoring to
develop their business ideas.
In
the final phase, ten startup founders from Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco will
take part in a three-month accelerator programme, which includes expert
training, roundtable discussions, and two intensive one-week startup camps in
Egypt.
These
two initiatives are part of the wider TUI Futureshapers programme, which
empowers people in tourism destinations around the world to transform local
social and environmental challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities.
Image
Credit: © TUI Group
The most interesting news
Read the News

Qatar Airways and Philippine Airlines strengthen partnership
Starting 1 June 2026, Philippine Airlines will place its (PR) code on Qatar Airways flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao to Doha, and connect to over 20 major European cities, including Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt via Hamad International Airpor
Read the News

SWISS expands India network with new nonstop Bengaluru–Zurich service
Swiss International Air Lines is pleased to announce the launch of new nonstop flights between Bengaluru and Zurich, further enhancing connectivity between Switzerland and India’s leading technology and innovation hub.
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group expands its footprint in Dubai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Barsha Heights is a 537-room five-star city hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, affiliated with Radisson Blu, part of Radisson Hotel Group.
Read the News

TAT and Warner Music Japan bring Thailand’s spirit to life
Music-led collaboration showcases Bangkok’s everyday charm while connecting Thailand’s relaxed optimism with younger global audiences
Read the News

Global Travel & Tourism to outpace wider economy by 1.5 times
Global Travel & Tourism is forecast to continue outpacing wider economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute $12TN to the world economy, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Counc
Read the News

Nayarit's jungle coast redefines luxury travel
In the state of Nayarit, the jungle-meets-ocean landscape is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers in high-end travel—now supported by a new era of seamless access.
Read the News

Hilton signs Hilton Garden Inn in Busan, South Korea
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signing of a franchise agreement with MS&C Co., Ltd. to open Hilton Garden Inn Busan Gijang in 2028. Located in Gijang, Busan, the hotel is planned to be part of a larger mixed-use development project.
Read the News

Six Senses Joins the UNEP and UN Tourism Recipe of Change
A living expression of the brand’s sustainable ethos and Eat With Six Senses philosophy
Read the News

Etihad Airways makes Eid al-Adha and Summer Travel easier
Etihad Airways is preparing for a busy Eid al-Adha and summer travel season, with strong demand expected across its expanding global network.
Read the News

Emirates taps GE Aerospace for repair capabilities
The agreement will support the expansion of the Emirates Engine Maintenance Centre (EEMC)
Read the News

To Belize in the off-season with Alaska Airlines
Why this is the best choice explains Ali Wunderman
Read the News

Closing the gender gap requires tackling structural barriers, improving access to opportunities, and sustained commitment
Women do most of the work in tourism, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership
Read the News

Marriott International expands portfolio in Peru through landmark conversions
The two properties in Lima are set to officially join The Ritz‑Carlton and JW Marriott brand portfolios in 2028, reflecting the city’s rise as a leading global luxury destination.
Read the News

Tripmasters expands with new experience-focused vacation packages
New curated travel collections respond to growing demand for slower, experience-driven vacations with fewer hotel changes and deeper destination immersion
Read the News

TUI launches TUI Smiles Rewards Club
TUI has launched TUI Smiles Rewards Club, the company’s first-ever global loyalty programme, enabling customers to collect Smiles across TUI's portfolio – from flights and hotels to packages, cruises, and experiences.
Read the News

As Americans hit the road during the country’s 250th anniversary, Hilton is celebrating all summer long.
Next week, Hilton is kicking off Hilton Honors America Experiences with a dozen unexpected and unforgettable road trip experiences for only 250 Hilton Honors Points per trip, Hampton by Hilton stays and gas included.
Read the News

Lufthansa Group expands climate protection portfolio
The Lufthansa Group has reshaped its portfolio of climate protection projects and is placing a stronger emphasis on technology-based solutions
Read the News

Enhanced opportunities for British Airways American Express® cardmembers
British Airways American Express® Cardmembers who book with British Airways Holidays using Avios (as a full or part payment), can now redeem their Companion Voucher to receive 25% of these Avios back.
Read the News

Eurowings expands its Berlin base
Growth to eleven aircraft strengthens the Lufthansa Group’s market leadership and long-term strategy in Germany’s capital city
Read the News

In Spain, the year starts with more people employed in the tourism sector
In the first quarter of 2026, there were 146,631 more employees in tourism-related activities than in the same period of 2025.

