Cooltour Oporto Committed to Sustainable Tourism in Portugal

Cooltour Oporto is proud to announce that we have been recognized by Turismo de Portugal at the Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market 2025 for our commitment to sustainability. This prestigious recognition underscores our dedication to implementing responsible tourism practices and aligns with our completion of the Empresas Turismo 360° ESG program in 2023. Our ongoing efforts contribute to making Portugal a more environmentally and socially responsible travel destination, ensuring a positive impact on both visitors and local communities.

To strengthen sustainability in the tourism industry, Turismo de Portugal launched the Empresas Turismo 360° (360° Tourism Companies) Programme. This initiative helps businesses measure and improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, ensuring long-term resilience and alignment with Agenda 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A key component of the program is FOREST - Organisational and Reporting Tool for Sustainability in Tourism, a digital platform that automates the collection and reporting of sustainability data. This tool enables businesses to track their ESG performance effectively, identify inefficiencies, and implement sustainable strategies. By adopting this model, tourism companies can enhance their competitiveness and contribute to a more sustainable industry, meeting both market demands and societal expectations.

As a company dedicated to responsible tourism, Cooltour Oporto integrates sustainability into every aspect of our operations. Our recognition by Turismo de Portugal is a milestone that reinforces our ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable tourism sector in Portugal.

In addition to the national ESG initiative, we proudly joined the Ser Turismo Sustentável program in 2024, an initiative led by Turismo do Porto & Norte to foster sustainability commitments across four main pillars:

   1. Being Sustainable & Socially Responsible

   2. Being Economically Responsible for Our Destination

   3. Being Culturally Sustainable for Our Destination

   4. Being Environmentally Friendly

By adopting this program, we have strengthened our position as a leader in sustainable tourism in Northern Portugal. This initiative also grants access to international promotion actions, networking events, and business opportunities, further enhancing our efforts to operate responsibly.

Beyond participating in Turismo de Portugal and Turismo do Porto & Norte sustainability programs, we are committed to obtaining Biosphere Sustainable certification by the end of 2025. We began this initiative in early 2024 but were unable to complete it due to time and resource constraints. However, our dedication to sustainability remains unwavering, and we are taking significant steps to achieve this certification.

Since 2024, we have been offering Earth Water as our primary bottled water option, featuring sustainable packaging and a commitment to social responsibility. Each bottle sold helps fund meals for children in underdeveloped countries. Thanks to our guests, we contributed over 2,000 meals in 2024 alone.

Our tours actively support local producers, independent shops, and family-owned restaurants, ensuring that tourism revenue benefits the local economy. Through our Cooltour Oporto App, we showcase small businesses, and through meaningful partnerships, we collaborate with responsible local operators to create a sustainable network for tourism.

We prioritize sustainability in our operations by using modern, fuel-efficient 9-seat vans that meet strict emission standards. Our eco-trained drivers operate these vehicles responsibly to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, we invest in carbon offset initiatives to further minimize our footprint.

• Plastic-Free Touring: We actively reduce single-use plastics by offering reusable water bottles and encouraging guests to refill them.

• Recycling and Waste Reduction: We implement waste reduction strategies in our office and tours, minimizing unnecessary waste.

Cooltour Oporto integrates energy-efficient practices in our office, facilities, and daily operations by using low-energy lighting, appliances, and sustainable transportation, reducing our overall carbon footprint.

We believe in fostering equal employment opportunities, gender balance, and family-friendly policies, such as flexible schedules and parental leave. Additionally, we provide ongoing training and workshops to enhance our team’s skills and knowledge in sustainable tourism.

We are committed to Active Tourism, encouraging walking tours and developing innovative experiences that blend adventure with responsible exploration. Our goal is to redefine sustainable travel in Porto and Northern Portugal, offering unique and enriching tours that leave a positive impact.

Cooltour Oporto remains dedicated to leading the way in sustainable tourism in Portugal. This recognition by Turismo de Portugal is not just an achievement but a motivation to further enhance our sustainability strategies. We welcome travelers who want to explore in a way that positively impacts the environment and local communities.

Learn more about our sustainability initiatives at www.cooltouroporto.com/sustainability.