In the last decade, tourism in Porto has experienced unprecedented growth. As the destination unveiled itself to the eyes of the world, claiming the top spot in tourism rankings and collecting international awards, it entered a virtuous cycle of evolution and development that permeated all spheres of city life.

From urban rehabilitation to dynamism of the city’s cultural agenda, from entrepreneurship to job creation, from the revitalisation of commerce to the implementation of creative industries, from the vibrancy of the hotels, restaurants and bars on offer to the city’s services and experiences, Porto has been renewing and asserting itself nationally and internationally.

To authenticity it adds creativity. To the past it adds the future. To tradition it adds cosmopolitanism. A city that adds and multiplies opportunities.

In 2020 and 2021, with the necessary containment measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we faced a scenario of almost total stagnation in tourism and the economy dependent on it.

In the subsequent years, we have witnessed global geopolitical instability, with a particular focus on Europe, which emphasises the need

for security and protection for economic development, employment and entrepreneurship.

Therefore, development faces two major challenges:

• The importance of tourism for the vitality and socio-economic development of the city - keeping its heart beating

• The need to plan and structure growth in a sustainable way, ensuring balance - allowing this pulse to spread throughout the territory, expanding and diversifying opportunities

1. Introduction and methodology
2. The heartbeat of a rising city
3. Porto, an identity to keep
4. The strategy for a sustainable future: lines of action
5. A new story to be told
6. Farewell note