SÃO JORGE
Programme
Preliminary
Last update: 2024-10-09
The Azores Tourism Summit presents a programme with various themes, ideas, projects, experiences and new approaches to the challenges that arise, providing an opportunity for discussion and debate on the sector’s needs.
30
OCTOBER
WEDNESDAY
Welcome Note
Hon. Ms. Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructures - Berta Cabral
Hon. Mr. Mayor of Ponta Delgada - Pedro Nascimento Cabral
Hon. President of the Government of the Azores - José Manuel Bolieiro
Satya Tripathi - General Secretary of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
31
OCTOBER
THURSDAY
Berta Cabral - Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure of the Regional Government of the Azores.
Moderator
Paulo Salvador - TVI journalistÂ
João Carlos Nunes - Ph.D Scientific Director INOVA
The Azores are an increasingly less seasonal destination. The positioning and products that have been developed by the public and private sectors have created authentic experiences that can be enjoyed during off-peak periods. An example of this is the Wellbeing area, with alternatives ranging from thermal therapy to something more holistic such as immersion in nature and activities such as yoga, meditation and other variants within this product.
Moderator
Margarida Martins - Managing Director Marques Inovação & Ambiente
Speakers
Vitor Leal - Chairman of the Board of the Portuguese Spa Association
Rita Santos - CEO Satya Moments
Ana Beato - Founder of Misty Islands and Forest Bathing Guide
Fernando Morais - Sustainability Director at Six Senses Douro Valley
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In this panel discussion, we will explore how Artificial Intelligence and Big Data are transforming the tourism sector. These tools, which are already in full use, are increasingly driving the personalisation of services, optimisation of operations and improvements in the customer experience, as well as being indispensable for informed decision-making in the management of tourist destinations. Experts will discuss the practical application of these technologies, helping to understand how data makes it possible to analyse the profile and behaviour of travellers, tools for customer service and recommendations. In addition, we will address the ethical and privacy challenges associated with the use of data, as well as the future trends that will shape the industry.
Moderator
Lénia Mestrinho - Executive Director of the Nova SBE Data Science Knowledge Centre
Speakers
Evan Saunders  ONLINE  - Vice President of Global Travel & Hospitality at Azira
Nuno Lavrador - Founder & CEO UpNorth
Sérgio Guerreiro - Senior Director at Turismo de Portugal - Business Intelligence Departmente
Tourism, one of the most dynamic and impactful sectors of the global economy, faces unprecedented challenges, from climate change to the evolving expectations of travellers. In this context, it is essential for destinations to adapt and reinvent themselves, not only to attract visitors but also to ensure an enriching and sustainable experience.
In this panel, we bring together experts and thought leaders to explore how innovation is transforming the way we experience tourism. In a constantly changing world, it is crucial for destinations to adapt and reinvent themselves to meet the new expectations of travellers. We aim to discuss innovative strategies for enhancing, diversifying, and promoting tourism offerings in various destinations. We will look at inspiring examples of innovations across different contexts, from the use of emerging technologies to sustainable approaches that celebrate local heritage.
Moderator
Sérgio Ribeiro - CEO & Co founder of Planetiers
Speakers
UrÅ¡ka Peceny ONLINE Â
Viktor Waal - CEO of spotAR
Arnar Már Olafsson – General Director Tourism Iceland
01
NOVEMBER
FRIDAY
Accessibility, climate change and natural disasters are all challenges facing islands in the North Atlantic. This panel will discuss what opportunities exist in island regions in the context of new tourism trends, as well as how island destinations should prepare for some of the challenges that have been announced, such as climate change. Bringing to the debate other experiences from other destinations that have to deal with accessibility issues, weather and even volcanic events.
Moderator
Diogo Caetano - President of the Amigos dos Açores Association
Speakers
Arnar Már Olafsson - General Director Tourism Iceland
Cora Teixeira - Director of Tourism Qualification Services at the Regional Board of Tourism of Madeira
Rosa Costa - Regional Director of Tourism of the Azores
In this panel we intend to present strategies for promoting sustainable practices in the tourism sector, decarbonisation and adaptation to climate change. The importance of defining responsible investment strategies in innovative and visionary projects with an impact on combating climate change.
Moderator
Carolina Mendonça - Coordinator of the Azores DMO
Speakers
Duarte Conde - Head of centre Graciólica - Graciosa, Zero Carbon Island
Philippe Moreau -Â Founder of Greener Act
Andreia Ramos - Director of Sustainability and Environment at ANA Aeroportos de Portugal
 Rosa Costa - Regional Director for Tourism
Rui Faustino - Senior Manager na EY-Parthenon
Ana Caetano - Senior Manager na EY-Parthenon
Tourism is a powerful force that can shape the socio-economic development of local communities. This panel will discuss the many facets of tourism's impact, including benefits and challenges. We will address how tourism can boost the local economy, create jobs and promote cultural preservation, as well as the risks associated with the development of this sector. The discussion will include the importance of community involvement in decision-making and planning, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are distributed equitably.
Moderator
Vera Santos - RTP Açores journalist
Speakers
Ingrid Reis - CEO Espiral
Carlota Silva - Aldeia da Cuada
Filipa Grelo - Researcher on "Fenais a Fenais" Project - Carlos Machado Museum
Maria João Cruz - Project Manager at Blue Azores Programme
02
NOVEMBER
SATURDAY
The Greener Act is more than a platform, it is a movement that empowers organizations and their members to embrace sustainability in their daily actions and achieve their ESG goals. We offer a tool to calculate the carbon footprint and the option to give back to the environment by planting trees. Together, we can align your organization's wellbeing with a healthy planet, promoting real and meaningful changes.
Trainer
Philippe Moreau -Â Greener Act
Location
Conference Stage ATS
This workshop explores the practice of Forest Bathing, uniting science and nature to demonstrate its proven benefits in physical and mental wellbeing. Through immersive activities, nature is presented as an essential resource in the promotion of regenerative and sustainable experiences. This approach combines the recovery of human balance with a commitment to the health of the planet, offering a new paradigm in differentiated tourism.
Trainer
Ana Beato - Misty Islands
Location
Jardim do Hotel Senhora da Rosa
Interpretive route in the city of Ponta Delgada with a holistic approach inherent to the discovery of the geodiversity present in the built heritage, highlighting the rocks used in its construction, as well as its relationship with volcanoes and neighbors.
Entity
Azores Geopark
Location
Fort of São Brás
Expected duration
2 hours
Join us for a unique nature hiking experience that goes beyond just walking! This activity also includes a series of surprise experiences along the way.
The organization recommends all participants to bring appropriate clothing and footwear for the practice of walking and according to the expected weather conditions, as well as water, sunscreen and a hat. (3.5 km approx)
Entity
DRT and Tremor
Location
Portas do Mar
Expected duration
3 hours
Get ready for a trip along the Industrial Tourism Route in the Azores! The adventure begins at the Maia Tobacco Museum, a space dedicated to the preservation of the history and agroindustry of tobacco. During the visit, it will be possible to explore the traditions of this production, which has played a crucial role in local development. The experience continues with a guided tour of the Azores Pineapple Plantation, where we will learn about the cultivation techniques and, to close, there will be a delicious tasting of pineapple-based products!
Entity
DRT
Location
Portas do Mar
Expected duration
4 hours