Leading tourism experts will gather at the Vila Galé Ampalius in Vilamoura, in the municipality of Loulé, from April 23 to 26 for an international conference organised by KIPTCoLAB, in partnership with Loulé Municipal Council and the University of the Algarve.
KIPTCoLab, based at the NERA business complex in Loulé, is a collaborative laboratory dedicated to innovation and professional development in tourism and hospitality. The initiative brings together public and private organisations with the aim of promoting the value of professions within the sector.
The event will bring together researchers and professionals associated with the Tourism Research Cluster (TRC), a network affiliated with MODUL University Vienna, “internationally recognised for its advanced research in tourism”, according to the organisers.
Over four days, participants will explore key issues for the sector’s development, including destination sustainability, the competitiveness of urban tourism, emerging business models, and the interaction between tourists and local communities.
The programme, as shared by Barlavento, includes workshops at the Cineteatro Louletano and other venues across the municipality, opportunities for experts to share their insights, and hands-on experiences in the local area, with a particular focus on local tourist attractions.
The initiative aims to “strengthen the link between scientific knowledge and practical application in the sector by bringing together academia, businesses and decision-makers to address the main challenges and opportunities in tourism.”
“The choice of Loulé to host this international meeting underscores the Algarve’s growing significance as a hub for tourism research and innovation, while highlighting the region’s assets and unique identity,” said KIPTCoLAB.
The laboratory’s work focuses on the production of applied knowledge, the development of decision-support tools and the promotion of initiatives aimed at enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of tourism in Portugal.
With an approach based on data and collaboration between academia, businesses and institutions, KIPT CoLAB seeks to contribute to a more informed, sustainable and strategic vision of the sector.
