TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon: Empowering Young Designers for Sustainable Tourism in Lisbon

Published on December 3, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Lisbon is experiencing rapid tourism growth, but with this progress comes a set of challenges. The rise of mass tourism is shifting the city’s economy, replacing locally produced goods with industrial products that harm both the environment and cultural identity. In response to this issue, the TUI Care Foundation has partnered with Admirável Reino – Associação (Escola do Largo) to launch TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon. This project empowers young designers aged 18 to 38 with skills in sustainable design, promoting Portuguese heritage while supporting ethical practices within Lisbon’s booming tourism sector.

Addressing the Challenges of Mass Tourism in Lisbon
Lisbon’s tourism boom has brought both prosperity and problems. The city’s traditional trades, once a reflection of Portuguese culture, are increasingly being displaced by imported mass-produced goods. These goods, which lack cultural identity, are harming the environment and eroding sustainable practices. Local businesses and artisans are struggling to compete, as the demand for locally made products diminishes. This shift poses a significant challenge for Lisbon’s economy and cultural preservation. The TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon project is a direct response, offering a way to preserve and enhance the city’s cultural heritage through sustainable design.

The TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon Project
TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon is designed to train young people in sustainable design practices while fostering a new generation of professionals who can address environmental and social challenges in tourism. The programme, located in Lisbon’s iconic Chiado district, offers comprehensive training in twelve specialised modules, including sustainable design principles, fashion design, circular economy practices, product design, and entrepreneurship. The project aims to equip young designers with the tools and knowledge needed to create sustainable products that celebrate Portuguese heritage.

Training the Next Generation of Sustainable Designers
The project focuses on providing practical, hands-on learning experiences for young adults aged 18 to 38. With 115 young designers directly benefiting from the programme, TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon offers participants the opportunity to develop innovative products using sustainable techniques. From natural dyeing to sustainable packaging, participants learn to incorporate ethical and environmentally friendly practices into their designs. The programme also includes study visits to sustainable hotels, suppliers, and design events, giving students direct exposure to sustainable tourism practices.

Public Engagement and Exhibitions
Each month, the students’ work is showcased in publicly accessible exhibitions, creating a direct link between emerging designers and Lisbon’s tourism market. These exhibitions not only allow the public to view the students’ creations but also introduce tourists and locals to sustainable, locally produced goods. The exhibitions play a vital role in promoting the value of sustainable design and offering a platform for young designers to gain exposure. By showcasing their work in such a prominent way, the project strengthens the connection between sustainable products and tourism in Lisbon.

Supporting Disadvantaged Young People
A key aspect of TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon is its commitment to supporting financially disadvantaged young people. Sixty students have received free classes as part of the programme, ensuring that those who might not have the means to access design education can still benefit from this opportunity. The initiative is not only about fostering design skills but also about providing equal opportunities for young people to enter the sustainable design and tourism sectors. The programme is helping to level the playing field, allowing young talent to thrive regardless of their financial background.

A New Vision for Lisbon’s Tourism and Economy
TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon aims to contribute to the transformation of tourism in Lisbon by creating locally produced, sustainable alternatives to mass-produced imports. The project is helping the city adapt to the new paradigm of sustainable development while promoting the preservation of Portuguese cultural heritage. By supporting the development of sustainable products and creating links with tourism businesses, the project helps maintain the local economy’s connection to its cultural roots. This initiative is crucial in ensuring that Lisbon’s growing tourism sector aligns with environmental and social sustainability.

The Global TUI Colourful Cultures Programme
TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon is part of the broader TUI Colourful Cultures Programme, which operates worldwide to protect cultural heritage and promote local creativity in tourism destinations. The programme aims to support young creatives in various destinations, helping them develop skills that can transform their local tourism markets. Through this initiative, TUI is fostering sustainable tourism practices globally, creating a new generation of designers who can contribute to their local economies while preserving cultural identity.

Conclusion: Shaping a Sustainable Future for Lisbon
TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon represents a step forward in promoting sustainable design and tourism practices in Lisbon. TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon represents a step forward in promoting sustainable design and tourism practices in Lisbon. By empowering young designers with the skills needed to create locally produced, environmentally conscious products, the project is helping to preserve the city’s cultural heritage and adapt to the demands of modern tourism. The programme not only benefits participants but also contributes to the local economy by providing sustainable alternatives to imported goods. As Lisbon continues to grow as a tourist destination, initiatives like TUI Colourful Cultures Lisbon are crucial in ensuring that this growth is sustainable and beneficial for the entire community.