In a specially convened election for the presidency of the Tourism Center of Portugal (TCP), Rui Ventura secured a victory with 86 votes. He defeated Walter Chicharro, a member of the Assembly of the Republic and former Mayor of Nazaré, who garnered 60 votes, representing 40.27%.
According to TCP’s statement, 149 members voted, which accounts for 93.7% of the 159 electoral college members representing the 100 municipalities in the Centro region and various public and private tourism sector organizations. Additionally, there were three blank votes.
Following his election, Rui Ventura addressed the members, praising the participation in the election and noting that both candidacies demonstrated the high standards and unity for which the regional entity is known.
“It is my intention to ensure that both municipalities and private entities work together, from whom I have learned much over the recent weeks. I extend my thanks to my entire team and to all who welcomed me warmly at the Tourism Center of Portugal. I was well received, gathered insights, and understood the sentiments of each sector within this entity. I believe this tourism region has an even brighter future ahead,” the new TCP president stated.
The elections were called following the death of the previous holder, Raul Almeida, due to a prolonged illness in December 2024. A minute of silence was observed today in memory of the former president and ex-mayor of Mira.
The other governing bodies of the regional tourism entity, elected in July 2023, remain unchanged.
The inauguration is scheduled for April 15 at 11:30 AM in Coimbra.
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