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Portugal launches program to make cultural, historical heritage "sustainable"

Xinhua, September 29, 2016 Adjust font size:

Portugal must make efforts to preserve its historical and cultural heritage, the country's Economy Minister Manuel Caldeira Cabral said on Wednesday, according to Portuguese Lusa News Agency.

Caldeira Cabral said during a visit to Coimbra, around 205 km from Lisbon, that the country must find ways to make its historical and cultural heritage sustainable and make it profitable.

"Portugal cannot afford the luxury to ruin one of its resources," he said following a visit to the Convent of Santa Clara-a Nova, one of the buildings to be leased to private individuals under a new program launched by the government.

Under the program dubbed "Revive," 30 historical buildings around the country will be leased to private individuals to accomplish tourism projects.

He added that tourism must continue to grow and assert its power internationally through these "fantastic spaces."

Caldera Cabral also said it was important not only for tourists but also for the Portuguese people to be able to enjoy such places, pointing out that the Convent of Santa Clara-a-Nova is currently closed for visitors.

The first building to be leased is the Convent of Sao Paulo in Elvas, he said, adding that there were interests in turning it into a hotel.

During the first phase of the program, another 10 buildings will be leased across the country.

The projects under the "Revive" program can apply for community funds, and will have access to credit lines with longer-term deadlines and subsidized interest rates, he added.

"We want there to be gains for the populations, for the country, for the heritage, but also for private investors to be successful."

The Portuguese government is aiming to attract international investors through the program who will take care of the buildings' restoration and maintenance, as well as maintain free access to the public. Endit