“There’s no doubt that the impact on these territories is very significant, particularly from a tourism perspective. The effects are felt in hotels and rural tourism homes, where bookings are lost and visitors postpone their trips,” he mentioned.
In statements, Rui Ventura referred to the widespread images of destruction showing how the flames engulf the territory, reaching audiences worldwide.
“This also creates a perception of injustice, insecurity, and inaccessibility to the region, which isn’t true because the Center of Portugal encompasses much more than the areas that are burning. However, the affected areas are crucial for positioning the Center of Portugal as a landscape tourism destination,” he explained.
Rui Ventura, who assumed the presidency in April, stated that Turismo Centro de Portugal stands in solidarity with local officials and entrepreneurs facing this “environmental tragedy.”
“It’s an open wound in the heart of the Center of Portugal, a region thriving on its landscape, authenticity, and inherent hospitality,” he added.
He disclosed that Turismo Centro de Portugal’s services are already reaching out to municipal leaders, lodging companies, hotels, and restaurants in coordination with Turismo de Portugal and the State, “to devise measures to address the regional impact.”
“This region is home to resilient people and entrepreneurs, full of hope. Hence, Turismo Centro de Portugal is already planning to reaffirm the brand Center of Portugal. Not all of the Center of Portugal was burned; there’s still much to offer,” he affirmed.
The president also noted forthcoming initiatives in burnt areas, such as the Trail Mont-Blanc, set to take place in the municipalities of Arganil and Pampilhosa da Serra in May 2026.
“We will rebuild the territory and demonstrate that visits during the off-season are still viable, marking a period of rejuvenation,” he concluded.
Mainland Portugal has been afflicted by numerous large-scale rural fires since July, especially in the North and Center regions.
The fires resulted in three fatalities, including a firefighter, numerous injuries, some severe, and the destruction or partial damage of primary and secondary residences along with agricultural and livestock operations and forests.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, which provided two Fire Boss aircraft to bolster firefighting efforts.
Provisional official data indicates that by August 20, over 222,000 hectares had burned across the country, surpassing the total area destroyed in all of 2024.
