The future of tourism and hospitality will be in the spotlight at Vale do Lobo on Thursday, October 22, when the Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) hosts the fifth edition of its annual Tourism Conference.
Taking place at WELL Vale do Lobo, the event will bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs and specialists from Portugal and Ireland to discuss how innovation is reshaping the tourism sector.
Under the theme “Innovation (New Trends) in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry”, the conference will focus on three key areas: authentic local tourism experiences, technology and artificial intelligence, and sustainability and safety in sport and leisure.
The programme will run from 9am to 1pm, followed by networking and a light lunch.
Supporting local tourism
The first panel will explore how tourism businesses can create high-quality experiences while supporting local communities, producers and services.
Speakers will include Jonnie Pratt, head chef and partner at Restaurante Tribulum, and Gerry Fagan, co-founder of NOOVA World, which has developed an immersive LED event dome.
Moderated by IPBN board member Sharon Farrell, the discussion will examine how local food, products and experiences can contribute to a more distinctive and sustainable tourism offering.
The role of technology and AI
Technology will feature prominently throughout the morning, including a presentation by Dr Hilal Akdemir, scientific director at KIPT CoLAB, on the hotel of the future.
Drawing on the CROSSTECH project, the presentation will examine how digital technologies can help hotels improve their operations, meet sustainability objectives and respond to changing guest expectations.
A separate panel dedicated to artificial intelligence will explore practical applications in tourism, from personalised travel planning and automated hotel operations to more efficient resource management.
Confirmed speakers include Mariana da Rocha, head of growth at WitFlow, and Tony Judge, founder and chief executive of Clubs to Hire. The discussion will be moderated by Carlos Justino, founder of WitFlow.
Sustainability and responsible tourism
The third panel will address sustainability and safety in sport and leisure tourism, examining how businesses can balance environmental responsibility, visitor wellbeing and economic viability.
Topics will include sustainable facilities, responsible leisure activities, wellness and the importance of health and safety provision.
Speakers will include Yvonne Dolan of Dolan Padel Courts Portugal & Ireland and a representative of The Campus Quinta do Lago High Performance Centre.
The discussion will be moderated by Antonia Correia, president of KIPT CoLAB and a United Nations expert.
Algarve tourism perspectives
The conference will open with a welcome from IPBN chairman Geoffrey Graham, followed by a keynote address from Hernâni Estêvão, general manager of Vale do Lobo Golf & Beach Resort, on innovation and the challenges facing the tourism industry.
André Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Board, will deliver the closing address, reflecting on the opportunities and challenges facing the region.
Organised with the support of Vale do Lobo Algarve and sponsor DDM Projects, the conference also aims to strengthen business connections between Portugal and Ireland, encouraging collaboration and the exchange of expertise.
The fifth IPBN Tourism Conference takes place on Thursday, October 22, at WELL Vale do Lobo, Praça Vale do Lobo. Registration opens at 8.30am, with the conference running from 9am to 1pm and networking and lunch beginning at 1.15pm.
Tickets are available for IPBN members and non-members, with options covering the conference alone or including lunch.
For the full programme and registration details, visit the IPBN event page.