23 May Rio Minho EGTC launches the “Vive o Rio Minho ao Máximo” programme and invites the public to “Sente a Corrente”
On 22 May 2026, within the framework of the VISIT_RIO_MINHO_PLUS project, the Rio Minho EGTC launched its new programme, “Vive o Rio Minho ao Máximo”, an initiative designed to strengthen the promotion of the cross-border Rio Minho territory through culture, creativity, tourism and river-based experiences.
The event brought together Portuguese and Galician institutional representatives, local authorities from the municipalities within the Rio Minho EGTC territory, regional tourism organisations, universities, local development associations, nautical tourism operators, organisations linked to Galicia’s geodestinations, maritime authorities, project partners, media representatives and a wide range of public and private entities involved in the promotion and enhancement of the cross-border territory.
The initiative forms part of the VISIT_RIO_MINHO_PLUS project, co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A Spain–Portugal (POCTEP) 2021-2027 Programme. The partnership includes the Rio Minho EGTC, CIM Alto Minho, Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal, the Provincial Council of Pontevedra, the Galician Tourism Agency, the Galician Agency for Food Quality, Adriminho, the municipalities of Tui and Salvaterra de Miño, the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo and the University of Vigo.
During the presentation session, participants highlighted the strategic role of cross-border cooperation as a tool for economic development, territorial enhancement and the international promotion of the Rio Minho, underlining the importance of transforming shared resources and identity into concrete opportunities for the territory.
Under the slogan One river, two countries, great experiences, the programme aims to create a stronger emotional connection between people and the territory, encouraging visitors and local communities to discover, experience and share the Rio Minho through its landscapes, culture, gastronomy, heritage, nature and authentic experiences.
The event also introduced the first Rio Minho Ambassadors, Bianca Barros and Alberto Ribas, recognised for their strong connection to the territory and their contribution to promoting the shared cross-border identity between Portugal and Galicia.
The initiative also seeks to strengthen the link between tourism development and environmental sustainability by promoting an integrated vision of the territory that combines development, environmental protection, navigability and the preservation of the Rio Minho ecosystem.
The Rio Minho EGTC also highlighted the work it has been carrying out under the “Pacto do Rio Minho”, mobilising Portuguese and Galician stakeholders to develop a joint response to the environmental and strategic challenges facing the territory.
According to José Manuel Vaz Carpinteira, “with the launch of this programme, the Rio Minho EGTC aims to consolidate the positioning of the Rio Minho as a distinctive and sustainable cross-border tourism destination, built upon a shared identity between Portugal and Galicia”.
“Sente a Corrente” therefore stands as a collective invitation to discover a unique territory shaped by cooperation, culture, nature and the people who bring the Rio Minho to life.
Because we want the Rio Minho to continue bringing Portugal and Galicia together, not only through shared memories but also through the common vision for the future that we wish to build together.
