Sustainable Tourism Meets Innovation at Cooltour Oporto

At Cooltour Oporto, we are excited to announce the launch of an innovative project aimed at transforming the way we explore Portugal — through sustainable tourism and cutting-edge innovation. This project is co-financed by the European Union under the ST3ER program (Scaling Twin Transition in Tourism by harnessing the Experience Economy for greater Resilience – Empowering SMEs to Carry Out the Twin Transition). The ST3ER initiative supports small and medium-sized businesses in the tourism sector, like ours, in embracing sustainability and digital transformation to meet the challenges of the evolving tourism industry.

The first phase of this initiative will be launched on May 15th, offering eco-friendly travel experiences across some of Portugal’s most iconic destinations, including Porto, Douro Valley, Lisbon, Sintra, and the Algarve. We have partnered with local businesses that share our commitment to sustainability, offering unique activities such as gastronomic and cultural walking tours, bicycle and e-bike tours, solar-powered boat tours, sailing boat experiences, and electrical guided transportation.

At Cooltour Oporto, this program empowers us to offer even more innovative and sustainable experiences to conscious travelers, leveraging technology to create a more efficient, connected, and responsible tourism ecosystem.

Our focus on sustainability goes beyond the experiences we offer. It extends to supporting small local businesses that are committed to responsible tourism practices. By working with local operators who prioritize eco-friendly transportation, reduced environmental impact, and authentic local experiences, we ensure that tourism revenue stays within the community, benefiting both the environment and the local economy.

Whether you’re cycling through Porto's vibrant streets, exploring the picturesque landscapes of the Douro Valley, or enjoying a solar-powered boat tour or a sailing experience along Portugal's beautiful coastlines, every tour we offer promotes sustainable travel and highlights the region’s natural beauty.

The key element that sets this project apart is the collaboration with local businesses to create a network of sustainability-driven tourism operators. By working together, we are not just offering exceptional experiences, but helping to strengthen Portugal’s tourism industry by supporting the local community, culture, and environment.

This collaboration-driven approach is also central to our mission of sustainable innovation. We are building a tourism ecosystem that is interconnected, competitive, and, most importantly, sustainable. This means that every traveler who chooses our eco-friendly tours is contributing to a greener and more responsible future for Portugal’s tourism sector.

The second phase of our project, launching in mid-September, introduces the AI Guide — a groundbreaking tool designed for conscious travelers. This interactive guide will provide real-time, personalized recommendations for sustainable activities and experiences in each of the destinations we serve. Whether you’re looking for eco-friendly tours, sustainable dining options, or simply need advice on the best ways to reduce your environmental impact while exploring, the AI Guide will have the answers.

The AI Guide is more than just a local expert, it’s a digital assistant dedicated to helping travelers make responsible choices and take full advantage of their visit to Portugal. It will be available across all the destinations we cover, providing you with insights into the best eco-conscious activities, local attractions, and sustainable experiences. With this tool, every conscious traveler will have the power to explore Portugal in a way that aligns with their values and sustainability goals.

Cooltour Oporto’s collaboration with the ST3ER initiative is an important milestone in our journey to building a more sustainable tourism ecosystem in Portugal. By offering eco-friendly tours and experiences focused on sustainability and innovation, we are helping ensure that tourism in Portugal remains resilient and responsible.

We believe that responsible tourism is about more than just minimizing environmental impact, it’s about supporting local economies, empowering communities, and providing travelers with meaningful, memorable experiences. This project reflects our commitment to these principles, positioning Cooltour Oporto as a leader in eco-conscious tourism in Portugal.

We invite you to be a part of this exciting initiative and join us in exploring Portugal in a more responsible, sustainable way. From walking tours through Porto’s historic districts to hiking through the lush Douro Valley or going along the Algarve coast on a solar-powered boat, we offer a wide range of eco-friendly activities that allow you to experience Portugal’s beauty without compromising the environment.

Stay tuned for updates on the launch of our new Marketplace and AI Guide and learn more about how you can join the sustainable tourism revolution by visiting our Sustainability page at www.cooltouroporto.com/sustainability.