Lisbon’s Young Designers Empowered by TUI Care Foundation’s Sustainable Tourism Initiative, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 27, 2025

The TUI Care Foundation is changing and educating young designers In Lisbon on how to incorporate sustainable practices to protect some of Portugal’s crafts. The TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon project, seeks to address and try to reduce the gap, the increase of tourism and the increase of sustainable practices that the tourism industry requires. In a mass tourism city, the initiative seeks to design and produce, innovative, and environmentally friendly locally made tourism products that preserve visceral cultural Portuguese traditions, allowing future Lisbon tourists to actively and ethically engage with the city.

A Growing Tourism Market with Sustainability Challenges

Lisbon, a vibrant European capital, has witnessed tremendous growth in its tourism sector in recent years. While this boom has been economically beneficial, it has also come with its set of challenges. As mass tourism expands, the authenticity of Lisbon’s traditional commerce is being eroded, replaced by mass-produced goods that fail to reflect the rich Portuguese culture. This shift is concerning for both locals and visitors who seek authentic, sustainable experiences.

The environmental impact of industrialized merchandise is another issue, contributing to the depletion of natural resources and an increase in waste. The lack of sustainable practices in tourism and local commerce has become a growing concern for both residents and tourists looking for authentic, culturally rich experiences.

To tackle these pressing issues, the TUI Care Foundation, in collaboration with Admirável Reino – Associação (Escola do Largo), has launched the TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon initiative. This project focuses on training young adults in sustainable design practices, encouraging them to produce products that celebrate the cultural heritage of Portugal while aligning with modern sustainability principles.

Training Young Designers in Sustainable Practices

The TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon initiative aims to provide comprehensive training to young adults between the ages of 18 and 38, with a focus on sustainable design practices. The project aims to nurture a new generation of professionals capable of addressing the environmental and social challenges currently facing the tourism industry.

Participants in the program will receive training across twelve specialized modules, which will cover key areas such as:

• Sustainable design principles
• Circular economy
• Fashion design
• Natural fabric dyeing
• Product design
• Sustainable packaging
• Marketing and digital design
• Interior design
• Entrepreneurship

This curriculum is specifically designed to help participants learn how to create sustainable products that reflect Portuguese cultural traditions, using environmentally friendly materials and processes. The training is not just about design skills; it is also about fostering entrepreneurial thinking and preparing participants to become leaders in the growing field of sustainable tourism.

The project targets financially vulnerable individuals, offering free tuition for 60 out of the 115 participants, ensuring that the opportunity for professional growth is accessible to those who might otherwise lack the resources to pursue it. The initiative not only benefits the participants but also aims to create a broader cultural and economic impact within Lisbon and beyond.

A Creative Hub in Lisbon’s Historic Chiado District

A key component of this initiative is the establishment of a creative hub located in the historic Chiado district of Lisbon. This vibrant area, known for its cultural significance and artistic heritage, serves as the ideal setting for the development of new sustainable design products. The hub will act as a space where young designers can work on their projects, collaborate with local artisans, and experiment with sustainable techniques that honor Portuguese traditions.

Each month, the Escola do Largo will host exhibitions to showcase the work of these young designers. These exhibitions will not only highlight their innovative, sustainable designs but will also connect them directly with tourism businesses, potential buyers, and visitors. This connection between emerging designers and the tourism market is crucial in ensuring that sustainable products make their way into the hands of tourists seeking authentic and eco-friendly souvenirs.

Additionally, the initiative will organize learning expeditions to sustainable hotels, design events, and eco-friendly suppliers, offering participants real-world insights into the practices and opportunities within the sustainable tourism sector. These trips will enhance their understanding of the tourism industry’s demands and help them better align their products with market trends.

Connecting Sustainable Products with Lisbon’s Tourism Market

One of the core objectives of TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon is to transform the tourism landscape in Lisbon by offering alternatives to mass-produced merchandise. By training young adults in sustainable design and connecting them with the local tourism sector, the initiative aims to develop high-quality, locally produced products that celebrate Portuguese culture, and ultimately replace the imported goods that are increasingly dominating the market.

This focus on authentic, sustainable souvenirs allows tourists to take home a piece of Portuguese culture while supporting local artisans and small businesses. Tourists are becoming more conscious of the environmental and social impacts of their purchases, and many are seeking out experiences and products that align with their values. The project helps create a more sustainable and culturally enriching tourism experience, appealing to eco-conscious travelers who want to make a positive impact.

The sustainable products developed by the young designers will be directly marketed to tourists, providing them with an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of Portuguese heritage while enjoying unique, eco-friendly products. This initiative fosters a deeper connection between visitors and the city’s cultural identity, ensuring that tourism development aligns with the principles of sustainability and cultural preservation.

Supporting Lisbon’s Shift Toward Sustainable Tourism

Lisbon’s tourism industry is at a pivotal moment. The city must balance its economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation. TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon is a vital step in ensuring that the tourism boom does not come at the expense of the city’s authenticity or sustainability.

This project also reflects broader trends within the tourism industry, where sustainable practices are becoming a key factor in attracting tourists. By fostering a new generation of designers focused on sustainability, the initiative not only helps preserve local culture but also ensures that Lisbon’s tourism product offerings evolve to meet the demands of modern travelers.

Empowering the Future of Lisbon’s Tourism Industry

TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon Project is the first initiative integrating tourism, sustainability, and culture in support of a more innovative and responsible future in Lisbon. Young Lisbon college students in the Young Entrepreneurs Program are trained in sustainable design to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Portugal and to keep the tourism industry ecologically balanced, and to work with the tourism industry. Lisbon is the first city to show how urban tourism can grow with cultural and environmental respect.