The Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP) met with the Secretary of State for Tourism, Pedro Machado, the President of “Turismo de Portugal”, Carlos Abade, and Gonçalo de Sampaio, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Economy. The meeting, in which the COP was represented by its President, Fernando Gomes, and Vice-President, Vasco Costa, aimed primarily to strengthen cooperation between the Olympic Movement and the government officials responsible for Tourism and Economy. These stakeholders expressed their willingness and interest in supporting major sporting events that promote the Portugal brand, generate significant economic impact, and ideally have a global reach.

As part of the meeting, support for organizing the 2027 Mediterranean Beach Games was also discussed. These Games are scheduled to take place between September 11 and 18 of that year at Praia da Rocha and Alvor (Portimão) and Praia Grande in Ferragudo (Lagoa), as well as the Arade River, which links the two host municipalities.

Fernando Gomes highlights the 2027 Mediterranean Beach Games as “an important opportunity to join forces to position Portugal as a leading international stage for sporting and tourism excellence,” emphasizing that “hosting high-visibility events strengthens our economic development and reinforces the Olympic spirit within local communities.”