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Co-founder, CEO and owner of The Elegant Group (Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts), entrepreneur Chitra Stern has been awarded the ‘Medal of Merit for Tourism’ by the Portuguese Government.
The Silver Medal of Merit which is like an OBE in the UK, recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the tourism sector and economy in Portugal, acknowledging their dedication and impact on the development of the industry in Portugal.
The prestigious medal was presented by the Minister of Economy, Pedro Reis and the Secretary of State of Tourism, Pedro Machado to Chitra's husband, CMO of the Elegant Group, Roman Stern, who accepted the award on Chitra's behalf at the 7th Confederation of the Portuguese Tourism Summit.
On her LinkedIn post, Chitra Stern expressed her gratitude by writing: "I don’t have words except that it is an honor and a privilege to receive this commendation from the Portuguese Government as a foreigner. This medal represents not only a celebration of our past achievements and dedication but also a responsibility for the future. I do not underestimate this. Thank you, Portugal and her people.
“We are committed to continuing our contribution to the Portuguese economy in a sustainable and responsible way. We continue to believe in Portugal and her potential. Viva Portugal “Malta” (which means people) - thank you all and we have more work to do! Let’s continue our efforts!”
The Sterns have been leaders in the hospitality sector as well as moving beyond that into the realm of education. To date, Martinhal Hotels and Resorts has extraordinary properties across Portugal: Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Hotel, Martinhal Quinta do Lago, Martinhal Lisbon Chiado and Martinhal Lisbon Oriente and Martinhal Residences.
In 2020, Chitra and Roman Stern founded the United Lisbon International School (ULIS) & Edu Hub. The school offers K-12 international education with an innovative approach and world-class facilities in Lisbon Oriente close to Parque das Nações and right at the heart of the emerging “technology district” in Lisbon. ULIS was the first international school to partner with the Dukes Education Group outside of the United Kingdom.
Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.
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1. Can We Really Build a Sustainable Future on Mass Tourism?
We’ve all seen it, we still experience it: chaotic immigration, low-wage exploitation, and an economy that thrives on the backs of those least able to speak out. While mass tourism is making the wealthy richer, it has driven and continues to drive up property prices and rents, leaving locals struggling to afford their homes. Have we forgotten the real cost of this boom? The tourists may be here for a few days, but we locals are left grappling with the aftermath.
2. The Human Stampede and Environmental Overload
Is anyone else tired of seeing our cities and natural spaces overwhelmed by the sheer number of tourists, buses, Tuk Tuks, and a constant stream of construction for hotels, condominiums, and golf courses? The environmental cost is massive, and we must also consider the impact on mental health.
This is not just noise pollution—it’s a relentless assault on our natural resources:
• Water scarcity is growing as hotels and rentals deplete resources, leaving locals struggling to cope.
• Toxic cleaning products, detergents, and endless towel and bed linen washes release chemicals into the environment 365 days a year.
• Sewage treatment facilities are overloaded, sending untreated wastewater into rivers and oceans.
• Plastic waste and single-use amenities pile up, overwhelming local recycling and waste systems.
And what about the long-term health of our coastlines and waterways? The excesses of toxic mass tourism and the pollution it generates are far from the "sustainable tourism" we can be striving for.
By Miguel from Lisbon on 04 Oct 2024, 15:24
3. Exploitation Masquerading as Growth
Let’s address the elephant in the room—how do we justify handing out medals to those complicit in an economic system that thrives on low wages, long hours, and minimal benefits? Awards should not be given for creating conditions that resemble exploitation in the hospitality industry. If we cannot offer our workers fair wages and decent working conditions—while protecting the natural world from destruction—what are we really celebrating?
By Miguel from Lisbon on 06 Oct 2024, 09:20
3. The Real Elephant in the Room: A Sustainable Future?
It’s clear that awarding medals for economic practices that deplete local resources and perpetuate environmental destruction is out of touch with the future we need. Let’s not ignore the devastating impact of toxic mass tourism:
The enormous pressure on water resources from daily showers and water-intensive cleaning processes.
The damage to marine ecosystems from overwhelmed sewage and waste systems.
A daily influx of toxic cleaning products and detergents further poisoning our natural surroundings.
The endless cycle of towels, bed linens, and plastic waste burdening local waste systems and threatening wildlife.
By Miguel from Lisbon on 06 Oct 2024, 09:55