The «Linha de apoio à qualificação da oferta» was extended until December 31, 2025 (update!). The program is aimed at projects that add value to the tourism offer of that region, applying to the respective investments the conditions defined for low density territories and is in force until December 31, 2025.

“Linha de apoio à qualificação da oferta” is a program offered by Turismo de Portugal, the national tourism authority of Portugal. This program aims to support the development and enhancement of tourism products and services in the country, with a focus on improving the quality and competitiveness of the tourism offer.

The “Linha de apoio à qualificação da oferta” is a financial instrument provided by Turismo de Portugal, in partnership with the banking system, as part of their support program for the enhancement of the tourism offer. This instrument aims to provide medium and long-term financing for investment projects in the Algarve region, specifically in the NUT II region, undertaken by tourism companies. These projects should focus on the requalification and repositioning of ventures, establishments, and activities, as well as the creation of new ventures, establishments, and activities in low-density territories, and the development of entrepreneurial projects.

The types of projects eligible for this support include:

1. Requalification and repositioning of ventures, establishments, and activities within the defined economic activities, including expansion.
2. Creation of ventures, establishments, and activities within the defined economic activities, as long as they are implemented in low-density territories, cater to the current or potential tourist demand, address supply shortages, and add value to the existing offer in the region.
3. Entrepreneurship projects, including ventures, facilities, or tourism animation activities (CAE Groups 931 and 932), and associated services in the tourism sector, with a particular emphasis on those with a technological basis. These projects should have eligible investments of up to 500,000 euros and be promoted by small or medium-sized enterprises that are either to be established or have been established for less than two years.

Before applying to the credit institution for financing, the promoter must assess whether its project reaches the minimum overall score of 40 points in the two measures – environmental management and accessibility. In each measure the score to be obtained cannot be less than 12 points.

Project access conditions:

• Prior approval of the architectural project in cases that require licensing and, when the prior communication procedure is legally foreseen, demonstration of its presentation to the city council;
• The sources of financing must be guaranteed, including a minimum of 20% over the eligible investment;
• Contribute to the economic-financial improvement of the respective companies;
• Not exceed 2 years of execution, except in duly justified and accepted situations;
• Provide for the development and implementation of environmental management measures and measures that promote accessibility

Financing:
The amount of financing cannot exceed 80% of the eligible investment. The participation of Turismo de Portugal is limited to 1.5 million euros. All investment projects under this facility, as long as they meet specific targets to be verified in the third full year of operation, may now benefit from a performance bonus in the form of the conversion of part of the financing component allocated by Turismo de Portugal into non-refundable support.

The framework of the operation must be requested by the company to a bank that operates this program.