Valencia and Lisbon’s Bold New Partnership: How This Will Transform Tourism, Innovation, and Connectivity in Europe

Published on November 11, 2025

In a bold move aimed at fostering innovation and promoting sustainable tourism, Valencia and Lisbon have formalized a strategic partnership. The collaboration, marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding, was agreed upon during an official meeting between Valencia’s Mayor María José Catalá and Lisbon’s Mayor Carlos Moedas. This agreement is set to strengthen ties between these two prominent Iberian cities, positioning them as leaders in smart city development and sustainable urban living within Europe. Both cities aim to create a shared framework for growth and development that reflects their shared goals in urban resilience, technology, and cultural promotion.

This partnership represents a significant step toward establishing a new era of cooperation between Mediterranean and Atlantic cities. The two mayors met in Lisbon City Hall to finalize this agreement, which paves the way for both cities to exchange best practices in urban innovation, tourism, and sustainability. By working together, Valencia and Lisbon are set to enhance their roles as global hubs for innovation-driven economic growth in southern Europe.

Building an Innovation Corridor Between Two Cities

At the heart of this new partnership is a shared focus on innovation. Mayor Catalá highlighted Valencia’s position as home to one of the world’s top 100 emerging technology ecosystems, pointing out the city’s pioneering efforts in urban innovation policies. Notable initiatives like Valencia Innovation Capital, Sandbox València, and the Marina Tech Hub demonstrate the city’s commitment to supporting technology firms and providing an environment conducive to innovative solutions.

Through this collaboration, Valencia will partner with Unicorn Factory Lisboa to foster closer links between the two cities’ innovation ecosystems. The focus will be on key areas such as artificial intelligence, sustainable mobility, digital health, and the transformation of public administration. Both cities will share insights and experiences to accelerate their mutual growth in these critical areas. This partnership will allow Valencia and Lisbon to build stronger networks of incubators, accelerators, and research centers that drive technological and social progress.

Mayor Moedas expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to deepen the economic and cultural connections between the two cities. By focusing on innovation, both mayors see this collaboration as a way to create employment opportunities and bolster the economies of both regions. The shared goal of driving innovation will shape the future of urban development and the wider economy of southern Europe.

Strengthening Cultural Connections and Tourism Development

While innovation forms the backbone of the partnership, cultural exchange and tourism development also play a central role. The two mayors discussed the importance of fostering deeper cultural connections, drawing on the shared heritage of Saint Vincent the Martyr, a symbolic link between Lisbon and Valencia. This cultural connection will serve as a foundation for new initiatives aimed at promoting collaboration between museums, creative industries, and local tourism organizations in both cities.

In terms of tourism, both cities have agreed to collaborate on developing a sustainable urban tourism model that benefits not only visitors but also residents. The goal is to create destinations that prioritize local communities while reducing the environmental impact of mass tourism. By promoting responsible tourism, Valencia and Lisbon hope to set an example for other cities in Europe on how to balance growth with sustainability.

To achieve this, both cities will explore ways to use technology to manage visitor flows, ensuring a high-quality experience while minimizing the strain on local resources. This initiative is particularly timely as tourism in urban destinations continues to increase, requiring careful planning to preserve the cultural and social integrity of the areas most affected by tourism.

Expanding Transport Links for Greater Connectivity

The partnership also encompasses transportation and infrastructure development, specifically aimed at enhancing the connectivity between the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. Both cities are focused on expanding the rail highway that links Valencia’s port with Madrid, and further extending it to Lisbon. According to Mayor Catalá, the proposed rail extension could provide a major boost to commercial relations between Spain and Portugal, creating new job opportunities and increasing the flow of goods and services between the two cities.

This expanded rail link is seen as a major opportunity to strengthen economic ties and facilitate the seamless movement of people and goods between two of Europe’s most important cities. By connecting Valencia and Lisbon through this rail corridor, both cities will benefit from enhanced logistical operations and carbon-efficient transport, contributing to their commitment to sustainability.

A Shared Commitment to Urban Resilience and Sustainability

Another critical component of the partnership is the shared focus on urban resilience. Both cities are committed to climate adaptation and sustainable urban development, particularly in response to the growing impacts of climate change. As part of the agreement, the two cities will work together to share strategies for climate-resilient infrastructure, improving emergency response systems, and developing smart solutions for urban safety.

This commitment aligns with broader European efforts to adapt urban planning to the realities of changing environmental conditions. By working together, Lisbon and Valencia aim to create more sustainable and resilient cities that can better cope with the challenges posed by climate change, rising sea levels, and other environmental threats.

Valencia’s Growing Appeal for Investors and Entrepreneurs

During the official meeting, Mayor Catalá also highlighted Valencia’s increasing attractiveness to investors and entrepreneurs. Over the past two years, 53 companies have chosen to establish themselves in the city, bringing an investment of over €310 million and creating 2,600 new qualified jobs. This growth underscores Valencia’s commitment to public-private collaboration, legal certainty, and providing a conducive environment for investment and job creation.

Conclusion: A Bold Step Towards a Stronger Mediterranean-Atlantic Alliance

The agreement between Valencia and Lisbon marks the beginning of a new chapter of cooperation aimed at fostering innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange between these two vibrant cities. As they continue to work together to build an innovation corridor, expand transport links, and promote responsible tourism, Valencia and Lisbon are setting an example for cities across Europe on how to embrace urban resilience and create a more sustainable, connected future. This partnership strengthens the ties between the two cities and lays the groundwork for continued growth and prosperity in the Mediterranean-Atlantic region.