Observatory on Migrant Talent in Tourism to identify challenges, opportunities, and best practices in managing immigrant talent.
Porto Business School (PBS) proudly announces the launch of the Observatory on Migrant Talent in Tourism, an innovative initiative that highlights the essential contribution of migrant talent to Portugal's economy, especially within the tourism sector. With 120,000 of the country's 785,000 immigrants working in tourism, this project seeks to uncover the challenges, opportunities, and best practices for the effective integration and management of immigrant talent. The Observatory is spearheaded by the Tourism Futures Center, a key part of PBS's Innovation X Hub.
Tourism Employs Over 20% of Foreign Workers in Portugal
According to the Immigration, Borders, and Asylum Report, the foreign resident population in Portugal grew for the eighth consecutive year in 2023. With a 33% increase compared to 2022, the number of foreign residents increased from 781,247 to 1,040,000, now accounting for more than 10% of the total population. These migrants contribute significantly to the country's economic activity, particularly in tourism, which broke all records for overnight stays in 2023.
More than 20% of foreign workers in Portugal are employed in accommodation, restaurants, and related services. Given that tourism professionals are essential to the sector's success, it’s crucial to understand how immigrant talent is being valued and developed in comparison to national talent. The Observatory on Migrant Talent in Tourism, launched by Porto Business School, is dedicated to identifying the challenges, opportunities, and best practices in integrating and managing immigrant talent within Portugal's tourism industry.
Rita Marques, coordinator of the Tourism Futures Center at Porto Business School, remarks: "It’s essential to empower everyone involved in the tourism sector, whether migrants or not. By focusing on the qualification and inclusion of migrants, who already make up 20% of the tourism workforce, the Observatory will contribute to the sustainable economic growth of the sector and promote inclusive practices aligned with corporate social responsibility and ESG principles."
José Esteves, Dean of Porto Business School, adds: "Porto Business School is committed to fostering the inclusion and development of migrant talent in tourism. The launch of this Observatory is a critical step to ensure that Portugal continues to be a welcoming and competitive destination, where all professionals have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the country’s economic and social growth."
As part of the Tourism Futures Center, the Observatory on Migrant Talent in Tourism aims to explore the challenges, opportunities, and best practices for managing immigrant talent. Developed by the Innovation X Hub at Porto Business School, it will collect and analyze data on the participation of migrants in Portugal's tourism sector. In addition, it seeks to develop tailored training programs for migrants and encourage inclusive practices, ensuring equal access to professional development. The Observatory also intends to collaborate with businesses, educational institutions, and other organizations to promote the inclusion and qualification of migrant workers. Another key objective is to study the impact of migration on the authenticity of tourist destinations, proposing strategies to build a more responsible and inclusive tourism sector that creates value for all.
