The visit, held in the Noble Hall of the Fundão Municipal Chamber, is part of a mission focused on understanding key references in tourism and territorial development in Portugal. Fundão was chosen as it is the only municipality in the country with villages integrated into all three networks: Barroca and Janeiro de Cima (Schist Villages Network), Castelo Novo (Historic Villages of Portugal Network), and Alpedrinha, Alcongosta, and Alcaide (Mountain Villages Network).
Promoted in collaboration with the international consultancy Howarth HTL, the mission aims to study development models for tourism supply networks, heritage valorization, and local community empowerment. These Portuguese models have been identified as international benchmarks for tourism and territorial projects, considered close to Oman's objectives.
The synergy between tourism, heritage, and community development in Portugal was highlighted as a factor of international recognition. The Omani delegation seeks inspiration for its own projects, showcasing the influence of Portuguese territorial valorization models.
This mission offers an opportunity for sharing experiences and best practices, reinforcing Fundão's role as a key player in tourism development, territorial cohesion, and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, both nationally and internationally.
