On September 27th, a free interpretive tour, titled “Be a tourist in your own land,” will highlight the natural richness and beauty of the Alva and Alvoco valleys, the Serra do Açor, and geosites such as the Miradouro das Varandas de Avô and Penedo da Saudade, in Aldeia das Dez. The route, which includes bus transportation departing at 09:00 from the Oliveira do Hospital Bus Station and an interpretive guide provided by technicians from the Municipal Council, will also feature stops at the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora das Preces, in Vale de Maceira, with a guided tour of the Botanical Garden, lunch, snacks, and musical moments.
The following day, September 28th, the Casa da Cultura César Oliveira will host the Forum “Oliveira do Hospital – Tourism, Technology and People | Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” This event, aligned with the UN Tourism theme for the year, will focus on the impact of Artificial Intelligence in transforming the tourism sector, addressing destination promotion, visitor experience personalization, resource management, sustainability, and territorial innovation.
The forum aims to create a space for reflection and sharing among the academic community, industry professionals, tourism agents, students, and other interested parties. The first panel, “Is Artificial Intelligence changing tourism?”, will feature presentations by professors from ESTGOH, including Marco Proença (Artificial Intelligence), Fausto Frade (Marketing and Strategy), and Rafael Demczuk (Marketing and Consumer Behavior).
In the second panel, “How can Artificial Intelligence promote a better tourist destination?”, Gina Sousa, a lecturer at EPTOLIVA, will present the project “iSTAR – Virtual Guide of Serra da Estrela”. Rui Nunes, a professor at AEOH, will discuss practical AI applications and audience interaction. The forum will be moderated by Célia Gonçalves, coordinator of the Network of Mountain Villages.
The event is organized by the Municipal Council, in partnership with ESTGOH, and supported by EPTOLIVA, ADIRAM, the Union of Parishes of Penalva de Alva and São Sebastião da Feira, and the Parish of Meruge. Participation in the tour is free upon registration by calling 238 605 256 or emailing turismo@cm-oliveiradohospital.pt. The forum is open to the general public.
