The project to create “an international level academy in the field of chocolate marks the start of the requalification of the country’s 12 Hotel and Tourism schools”, announced the president of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, in Óbidos, in the district of Leiria, where the partnership protocol with the municipality was formalized.

The requalification of the building of the Óbidos hub of the Hotel and Tourism School involves an investment of 1.2 million euros, part of which will be used to modernize “very demanding equipment”, given that the school is particularly “oriented towards the pastry sector” and chocolate making, Ana Paula Pais, responsible for managing skills and training at tourism schools, told Lusa agency.

The project, which should be completed by the end of 2025, will be “a huge opportunity to increase connections with companies, in addition to initial training”, given annually to two pastry classes, for a total of 40 students per year, explained the school director, Daniel Pinto.

The objective will be to “greatly reinforce a permanent executive training plan for professionals” and affirm the school “as a reference” in terms of chocolate, added the person in charge, highlighting the connection to the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival, held annually in the town.