National Tourism Platform holds 1st Forum under the theme “What Future for Tourism in Portugal?”

The National Tourism Platform (PNT) will hold its first forum, on May 9th, between 9:30am and 5pm, at the Renato Araújo Auditorium, in the Rectory of the University of Aveiro, under the theme “What future for tourism in Portugal?”.

The central theme of this forum reflects the critical importance of tourism for the national economy, directly influencing GDP, employment, investment and territorial development. The event will address how tourism can act as a catalyst for sustainable development, also bringing benefits to sectors such as agriculture, health, well-being and technology.

This year, the 1st PNT Forum will take place in parallel with the INVTUR International Conference, enabling participants to have enriching interactions with world-renowned academics and experts in the tourism sector. The event will feature a variety of sessions, including discussions on new directions for tourism, sustainability and the impact of research on the sector.

Program

9:30 – 10:00 – Opening Session

Carlos Costa – President of the PNT Board
Ribau Esteves – President of Aveiro City Council
Raúl Almeida – President of the Regional Entity Tourism Center of Portugal
Pedro Machado – State Secretary of Tourism (to be confirmed)

10:00 – 11:30 – New directions for tourism: conclusions presented by the coordinators of the PNT Think Tanks:

Culture and Heritage – Alexandra Rodrigues, University of Algarve
Education and training – Manuel Salgado, Polytechnic Institute of Guarda
Tourism on islands – Carlos Santos, University of the Azores
Research and innovation – Eduardo Brito Henriques, IGOT – University of Lisbon
Sustainability in tourism – Carlos Picanço, FuTurismo
Moderation: Patrícia Remelgado – Pportodosmuseus.pt and Vice-President of PNT

11:30 – 12:00 – Coffee Break

12:00 – 12:30 – Keynote Presentation: Prof. Dimitrios Buhalis / University of Bournemouth: “The future of tourism through smart tourism metaverse and artificial intelligence”

12:30 – 2:30 pm – Lunch

14:30 – 15:00 – Keynote Presentation: Prof. Cathy Hsu / The Hong Kong Polytechnic University: “Research with impact: A tool to support social sustainability of tourism”

15:00 – 17:00 – Debate: What future and agenda for tourism in Portugal?

Bernardo Trindade – President of AHP (Portuguese Hotel Industry Association)
Carlos Moura – President of AHRESP (Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant and Similar Association)
Raúl Almeida – President of the Regional Entity Tourism Center of Portugal
Moderation: Carlos Costa – Full Professor at the University of Aveiro and President of the PNT Board

16:30 – 17:00 – Coffee Break

17:00 – Closing: Conclusions and Guidelines for the future of Tourism in Portugal and the PNT

Patrícia Remelgado – Pportodosmuseus.pt and Vice-President of PNT
Ana Jacinto – General Secretary of AHRESP and Vice-President of PNT

Registration here.