National Coordinators

Catarina Chaves

Portugal

Ana Catarina Lima Chaves Gonçalves is a Portuguese professional with over 20 years of experience in territorial development, cultural and religious tourism, institutional cooperation, and heritage enhancement. She holds a degree in Biology from the University of Porto and has complemented her academic background with a master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Environmental Policy, and Ecotourism, along with various specializations in governance, strategic planning, and sustainability.

Throughout her career, she has held leadership positions at the Vila Pouca de Aguiar Municipality, where she directed projects related to tourism, environmental conservation, and rural development. She has played a pivotal role in promoting the Camino de Santiago routes in Portugal, actively participating in both the Portuguese Federation and the European Federation of the Camino de Santiago. Her involvement in European networks and transnational cooperation projects has been instrumental in consolidating cultural routes as tools for sustainable development.

Her profile combines scientific knowledge, public administration, strategic planning, and hands-on experience in religious, nature, and heritage tourism initiatives. Additionally, she has developed and implemented training programs, institutional communication strategies, and tourism planning actions, always with a focus on sustainable development, territorial identity, and international collaboration. Her career positions her as a key figure in spiritual tourism in Portugal.