UPTEC – Science and Technology Park of the University of Porto is supporting 19 Portuguese startups and small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector through ST3ER, a project funded by the European Commission that aims to accelerate innovation, sustainability and competitiveness in tourism companies.

ST3ER focuses on the adoption of digital solutions, sustainable business models and practices aligned with ESG principles, promoting resilience and transformation in the tourism sector. Under this project, the companies supported in Portugal benefit from more than €500,000 in funding, as well as a structured programme of training, mentoring and connection to the European innovation ecosystem.

ST3ER project: sustainability in tourism

The project will be present at BOOST 2026, the largest tourism innovation event in Portugal, organised by NEST – Tourism Innovation Centre. In a session dedicated to sustainability and ESG criteria in tourism, participants will have the opportunity to explore concrete ESG strategies, the role of technological innovation in ensuring sustainable operations and the challenges of the dual transition (green and digital) in tourism.

The free session will be led by Francisco Santos, sustainability and ESG specialist at Highgate Portugal, one of the largest hotel groups operating in the country, with an international presence in several markets. Under his leadership, Highgate Portugal became the first hotel group to become a member of the Business Council for Sustainable Development Portugal (BCSD).

The event, entitled ‘The Future of Hospitality: ESG as a driver of innovation and guest experience’, will take place on 16 January at 12 noon at the Portugal Pavilion in Lisbon. It will also be possible to participate online by registering in advance on the platform dedicated to the session.

Through ST3ER, UPTEC reinforces its role in linking innovation, entrepreneurship and European policies, contributing to the creation of a more sustainable, technological tourism sector that is prepared to respond to future challenges.

14 January 2026