On September 27th, Leira – Shoes & Accessories celebrated World Tourism Day and its 25th anniversary by welcoming 20 visitors from across the region to its factory in Felgueiras. The event combined a guided tour of the production facilities with the presentation of the new Play Motives Spring/Summer 2026 collection, reinforcing Leira’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and community engagement.
The initiative was attended by several distinguished guests, including Nuno Fonseca, Mayor of Felgueiras, Joel Costa, City Councillor for Tourism, João Maia, General Director of APICCAPS, and Paulo Teixeira, President of the Felgueiras Business Association.
A behind-the-scenes experience
Isabel Teixeira, CEO of Leira, personally welcomed participants and guided them through the production areas, explaining each stage of the shoemaking process. For many attendees, it was their first time inside a footwear factory. The experience provided not only technical insights but also a closer look at the artistry and dedication behind Portuguese shoemaking.
After the factory tour, participants visited Leira’s showroom, where the new Play Motives Spring/Summer 2026 collection was on display. The program concluded with a visit to the Factory Store, offering footwear and accessories produced by Leira.
Transparency and social responsibility
Speaking after the event, Isabel Teixeira highlighted the importance of initiatives that open factories to the public: “For too long, footwear factories were seen as closed worlds, often surrounded by misconceptions. By opening our doors, we want to show who we are, how we work, and the values that guide us.”
She also emphasized the role of companies as social actors: “Corporate responsibility is not only about producing sustainably, but also about being transparent and engaging with the community. Inviting people inside our factory is part of this responsibility – it builds trust and helps dismantle stereotypes about what it means to work in the footwear industry.”
A positive outcome
The presence of local and sectoral leaders reinforced the broader significance of the event. According to Isabel Teixeira, the initiative was not only a celebration of Leira’s 25 years but also an act of openness and dialogue: “We are proud of what is made in Felgueiras and proud of the people who make it possible. Seeing the curiosity and interest of those who joined us today confirms that opening the doors of our factory was the right step. It strengthens the bond between industry, territory, and community.”
With this successful initiative, Leira once again underlined its position as a benchmark Portuguese footwear manufacturer, combining tradition, innovation, and a strong sense of responsibility towards people and place.
