Portalegre Polytechnic University, Portugal
Online Sessions: 4-7 May 2026
In-Person Session: 25-29 May 2026
Creative Tourism
The aim is to identify digital strategies that support both the preservation of local identity and the development of responsible, experience-driven tourism
– Explore the role of digital media in developing innovative, creative tourism experiences.
– To apply concepts of co-creation, experience design and digital transformation to creative tourism, valuing local heritage and arts.
– Develop collaborative digital solutions (e.g. digital platforms, tourism apps) for the design of local creative tourism experiences.
– Encourage exchange and transdisciplinarity between students, teachers and experts in creative tourism.
This project explores how digital transformation can enhance collaboration between local communities, businesses and creative tourism initiatives in the Alentejo region. It focuses on leveraging ICT to co-create innovative, heritage-based experiences while fostering community engagement and cultural sustainability.
ABOUT THE EVENT
The BIP in Tourism entitled “Digital Transformation for the Enhancement of Heritage and Local Arts through Creative Tourism” explores how digital technologies can serve as catalysts for innovation and sustainability in creative tourism. Centred on the co-creation of experiences among visitors, local communities, and creative actors, the initiative aims to foster a deeper appreciation of tangible and intangible heritage through responsible, participatory approaches.
Participants will engage with key concepts such as digital co-creation, experience design, and digital transformation, applying them to the context of local heritage and the arts. The course encourages students to develop collaborative digital solutions, such as platforms, mobile applications, and interactive tools, to enhance community engagement and visitor experiences.
By promoting transnational and transdisciplinary collaboration among students, teachers, and experts, the event seeks to generate innovative perspectives on how digital transformation can support the safeguarding and revitalisation of local heritage and creative practices, particularly within the Alentejo region.
Target Audience and Credits
This programme is designed for students in tourism, cultural tourism, and ICT areas who wish to explore the intersection between digital innovation and cultural sustainability. It is particularly suited to those interested in developing creative and responsible tourism projects that value local identity, community participation, and digital collaboration.
The course integrates theoretical insights with practical, project-based learning, encouraging participants to co-create solutions relevant to local and regional contexts.
The BIP is worth 3 ECTS.
Program
Online Program
The online program consists of 8 sessions from 4th to 7th May 2026.
Monday, 4th May
Session 1, 16h00 to 16h50 CET
Theme: Welcome Session (15’) + Digital Media and Creative Tourism (45’)
Lecturers: Prof. João Estevão and Prof. Rui Carvalho, Portalegre Polytechnic University.
Abstract: TBA.
Session 2, 17h00 to 17h50 CET
Theme: TBA.
Lecturer: TBA.
Abstract: TBA.
Tuesday, 5th May
Session 3, 16h00 to 16h50 CET
Theme: TBA
Lecturer: Prof. Boštjan Šumak, UM – University of Maribor, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Abstract: TBA.
Session 4, 17h00 to 17h50 CET
Theme: TBA
Lecturer: Prof. Maja Pušnik, UM – University of Maribor, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Abstract: TBA.
Wednesday, 6th May
Session 5, 16h00 to 16h50 CET
Theme: The impact of social media marketing on tourist decision-making and destination choice.
Lecturer: Prof. Tetiana Kazakova University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz (AHE).
Abstract: How platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube influence travel behavior and brand perception in tourism.
Session 6, 17h00 to 17h50 CET
Theme: Benchmarking as a tool for managing a tourism enterprise.
Lecturer: Prof. Beata Groblewska-Bogusz / University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz (AHE).
Abstract: Types of benchmarking in tourism and their applications, The benchmarking process: stages, tools, and conditions for effectiveness, digital tools in tourism benchmarking.
Thursday, 7th May
Session 7, 16h00 to 16h50 CET
Theme: TBA.
Lecturer: TBA.
Abstract: TBA.
Session 8, 16h00 to 16h50 CET
Theme: Creative Tourism in the Alentejo region.
Lecturer: Prof. Rui Carvalho, Portalegre Polytechnic University.
Abstract: Benchmarking of creative tourism examples applicable to the Alentejo region + practical work (Trello, Padlet, wix webiste).
In-person Program (25th – 29th May 2026)
Monday, 25th May
Welcome Session, 9h00 to 10h00 (Local Time)
Coffee Break
Session 9, 10h30 to 11h30 (Local Time)
Theme: Content Marketing for Sustainable Tourism
Lecturer: Prof. Tetiana Kazakova / University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz (AHE).
Abstract: Introduction & Icebreaker, Key Concepts: Content Marketing & Sustainability, Content Types for Sustainable Tourism, Mini Case Study Activity, Wrap-Up & Reflection.
Session 10, 11h30 to 12h30 (Local Time)
Theme: Benchmarking and place branding measurement (part 1)
Lecturer: Prof. Beata Groblewska-Bogusz / University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz (AHE).
Abstract: Introduction, Key concepts, Benchmarking Frameworks and Indicators, Measurement Tools and Methods, Short Interactive Exercise.
Lunch Break, 12h30 to 14h00 (Local Time)
Session 11, 14h00 to 15h00 (Local Time)
Theme: AI Tools for Content Creation
Lecturer: Prof. Boštjan Šumak, UM – University of Maribor, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Abstract: TBA.
Session 12, 14h00 to 15h00 (Local Time)
Theme: AI Tools for Content Creation
Lecturer: Prof. Maja Pušnik, UM – University of Maribor, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Abstract: TBA.
Technical Visit in Portalegre, 16h00 to 18h00 (Local Time)
Portalegre’s Tapestry Manufacture and Museum
Welcome Reception, 18h10 (Local Time)
Tuesday, 26th May 2026
Session 13, 9h00 to 10h00 (Local Time)
Theme: TBA
Lecturer: TBA.
Abstract: TBA.
Coffee Break
Session 14, 10h30 to 11h30 (Local Time)
Theme: Storytelling & Emotional Connection in Creative Tourism
Lecturer: Prof. Tetiana Kazakova / University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz (AHE).
Abstract: Storytelling & Emotional Connection in Creative Tourism. Introduction: Why Stories Matter, Elements of Effective Tourism Storytelling, Storytelling Through Digital Media, Creative Storytelling Workshop, Conclusion & Key Messages.
Session 15, 11h30 to 12h30 (Local Time)
Theme: Benchmarking and place branding measurement (part 2)
Lecturer: Beata Groblewska-Bogusz / University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz (AHE).
Abstract: Applying benchmarking tools to a selected place and identifying strengths and gaps – Hands-on Group Exercise.
Lunch Break, 12h30 to 14h00 (Local Time)
Session 16, 14h00 to 15h00 (Local Time)
Theme: TBA
Lecturer: TBA.
Abstract: TBA.
Technical Visit in Campo Maior, 15h00 to 18h30 (Local Time)
Science Coffee Museum
Wednesday, 27th May 2026
Session 17, 9h00 to 10h00 (Local Time)
Theme: TBA
Lecturer: TBA.
Abstract: TBA.
Coffee Break
Session 18, 10h30 to 11h30 (Local Time)
Theme: TBA
Lecturer: TBA.
Abstract: TBA.
Session 19, 11h30 to 12h30 (Local Time)
Theme: TBA
Lecturer: TBA.
Abstract: TBA.
Lunch Break, 12h30 to 14h00 (Local Time)
Session 20, 14h00 to 15h00 (Local Time)
Theme: TBA
Lecturer: TBA.
Abstract: TBA.
Technical Visit in Castelo de Vide and Marvão, 15h00 to 18h00 (Local Time)
Thursday, 28th May 2026
Project Briefing, 9h00 to 10h00 (Local Time)
Coffee Break
Project Development, 10h30 to 12h30 (Local Time)
Lunch Break, 12h30 to 14h00 (Local Time)
Project Development, 14h00 to 15h30 (Local Time)
Coffee Break
Project Development, 16h00 to 17h00 (Local Time)
Social Dinner
Friday, 29th May 2026
Pitch Presentations, 9h00 to 11h00
Coffee Break
BIP Closure, 11h30 to 12h30 (Local Time)
Summary and delivery of certificates to participants
APPLICATION TIMELINE January 15, 2026 – Application period closed January 15-20, 2026 – Selection of the students January 20, 2026 – Announcement of the selected student
The course will take place at the School of Education and Social Sciences (ESECS) of the Portalegre Polytechnic University. Please download the Info Pack files with all the information to get to us, choosing where to stay, where to eat, where to have a drink, and what to visit in the city and the surroundings. Directions can be found here.
