Programme

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

Opening session
18:00
Island Destinations as a model of leadership in sustainability
Keynote Speaker

Satya Tripathi - General Secretary of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

18:30
Official visit to the exhibition spaces in the "Pavilhão do Mar"
19:00
Welcome dinner
Anfiteatro Restaurant
20:00

31

OCTOBER

THURSDAY

Talking to ...

Berta Cabral - Regional Secretary for Tourism, Mobility and Infrastructure of the Regional Government of the Azores.

Moderator
Paulo Salvador - TVI journalist 

09:15
Coffee break
10:00
Presentation of the Thermal Therapy Study for the Azores
Preamble to the Panel
10:30
Caring for Body, Mind and Spirit in the Azores
Panel I

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 Wellness 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.

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

 

10:45
Debate
11:45
Lunch (on your own)
12:30
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Tourism
Panel II

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.

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

14:15
Debate
14:45
Coffee break
15:15
Innovation in Island Destinations
Panel III

We will discuss innovative strategies for enhancing, diversifying and promoting the tourism offer in island destinations, focusing on inspiring examples such as Iceland and the Canary Islands.  These archipelagos use technology to improve the visitor experience, implement sustainable tourism initiatives and promote actions that foster entrepreneurship and the sharing of new ideas.

Speakers
Dina Storey
- CEO Optimum Green Ventures
Viktor Waal
Arnar Már Olafsson – General Director Tourism Iceland

15:45
Debate between the panellists
16:45
Trade Show
Pavilhão do Mar - Open to the public
18:00 21:00

01

NOVEMBER

FRIDAY

Challenges & Opportunities in Island Destinations
PANEL IV

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.

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

09:00
Debate
10:00
Coffee Break
10:30
Zero Carbon Islands and How to Decarbonise the Tourism Sector
Panel V

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 - DMO Azores

Speakers
Duarte Conde - Graciolica - Graciosa, Carbon Zero Island
Philippe Moreau - Greener Act

11:00
Debate
12:00
Lunch (on your own)
12:30
Presentation of the study on the macroeconomic impact of tourism in the Autonomous Region of the Azores
Preamble to the Panel
14:00
The Impact of Tourism on Local Communities
Panel VI

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.

Speakers
Ingrid Reis
- CEO Espiral
Adriano Quintela - Blue Azores

14:30
Debate
15:15
GLP Films presentation
15:45
Closing Session
16:15
Trade Show
Pavilhão do Mar - Open to the public
18:00 20:00

02

NOVEMBER

SATURDAY

Workshops and Activities
Soon to be announced
>
Trade Show
Pavilhão do Mar – Open to the public
14:00 20:00
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