Students from ESHTE and NOVA bring the new generation’s vision for the future of tourism to A World for Travel in Paris
Their participation resulted from a challenge launched by NOVA to its students, inviting them to present their ideas and perspectives on the future of the sector through a pitch. The best proposals were selected to give a voice to the new generation at an event bringing together representatives from public institutions, companies, destinations and international organisations.
This initiative reinforces NOVA’s international positioning and is aligned with its strategy to raise industry awareness of the perspectives and expectations of younger generations, as well as the importance of applying technology across the different stages of the tourism experience. The group includes Filipa Carreiro, David Fernandes, Ludovina Fonseca and Gonçalo Teixeira, students at ESHTE, and John Ajike Eke, a student at NOVA School of Business & Economics.
On 30 October, the students took part in the session “The Next Generation”, dedicated to the views of future professionals on tourism. The session also featured Ana Mendes Godinho, Executive Director of NOVA Tourism and Hospitality and former Secretary of State for Tourism, as well as students from international institutions, promoting the sharing of perspectives on the changes and challenges that will shape the sector.
Ana Mendes Godinho also participated in the panel “The Future Traveler: What Destinations Need to Rethink Today”, which addressed the evolution of traveller behaviour and social trends, reflecting on how destinations can adapt their strategies, policies and tourism models to remain relevant, resilient and competitive in a rapidly changing world.
In a context of accelerated transformation, where technology, sustainability and new traveller expectations are redefining tourism, the presence of Portuguese students in Paris highlights the importance of involving younger generations in shaping responses for the future. For the students, this was also an opportunity to engage with international professionals and decision-makers, share their ideas and contribute to a global reflection on the future of tourism.
