PANTOUR Final Conference 2026 functioned as a launchpad on 24 February in Brussels

Four years of skills development. Building upon another four years of research and outputs. Real momentum.

This week in Brussels, at the headquarters of ETOA – European tourism association, we organised the final conference of PANTOUR 2026.

Right in the heart of Europe’s tourism ecosystem, we brought together the sharpest insights, strongest outputs, and most honest reflections from four years of collaboration focused on the future of skills in tourism and hospitality.

This was not a “wrap-up.” It was a launchpad.

Each presentation and speaker brought a different lens. Together they brought a shared European perspective on how we future-proof talent in our sector, supporting the twin-transition. With contributions from:

Ana Maria Camps (CEHAT)
Corné Dijkmans (Breda University of Applied Sciences)
Fernanda Rabelo (TU Dublin)
Klaus Ehrlich (RURALTOUR)
Altti Näsi (SAMK)
Silvia Enea (Federturismo Confindustria)

 

The mix of curiosity and commitment that was experienced during this final conference is exactly what will shape the next chapter of tourism and hospitality in Europe. When people lean in, challenge each other, and build on ideas together, progress follows.

With the energy masterfully steered by our host and moderator Tim Fairhurst, we explored and discussed skills development from every possible angle; managing, monitoring, strategising, assessing, implementing, together with the participants we moved into another connected ambition.

PANTOUR has never just been a project. I has been a collaboration since 2018, built together with: Satakunta University of Applied Sciences – SAMK, Technological University Dublin, CEHAT – Spanish Confederation of Hotels and Tourist Accommodations, Federturismo Confindustria, Gestlabor, University of the Aegean, ETOA – European tourism association, Hungarian Hospitality Employers’ Association (VIMOSZ), Zangador Research Institute, Breda University of Applied Sciences, European Association of Institutes for Vocational Training (EVBB), Turismo de Portugal and RURALTOUR, and an extensive network of associate and affiliate partners, industry stakeholders and professionals who believe that skills are the foundation of a resilient, competitive, and forward-looking industry.

The full recap is coming soon.

For now: a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed, questioned, debated, and imagined what is next. The journey may be concluding, but the impact is only beginning. Stay tuned.

Thanks to Arran Wiltshire, Rachel Read, Laurence Lagier for hosting and facilitating us!