TIS – Tourism Innovation Summit will return to Seville from 6–8 October 2026, bringing together more than 8,000 tourism and hospitality professionals to examine the technologies, trends and business models reshaping the industry. Registration has opened for the seventh edition of TIS – Tourism Innovation Summit, which will take place at FIBES Seville. Artificial intelligence, smart destination management, tourism distribution and emerging accommodation models will be among the central themes of this year’s event. The programme will also address data analytics, cloud technology, automation, cybersecurity, digital trust and sustainable innovation.
From AI Experimentation to Business Impact
Held under the theme “The New Generation of Travel & Hotel Tech”, TIS 2026 will examine how tourism organisations can move artificial intelligence beyond the experimentation stage and apply it at scale. More than 200 tourism technology and innovation exhibitors are expected to present products and services for destinations, hospitality companies, travel agencies and other industry organisations. Solutions will cover AI-powered platforms, data-driven business strategies, automation, cybersecurity and sustainable technology. The event will also explore how these tools can improve competitiveness across tourism and hospitality.
Tourism Innovation Global Summit
TIS 2026 will once again host the Tourism Innovation Global Summit, a three-day conference examining the forces influencing the development of international tourism. More than 400 national and international experts are expected to participate. Announced speakers include:
- Wilfred Fan, Chief Commercial Officer of Klook
- Jana Adamcová, Vice-President of the Prague Tourism Board
- Eduardo Bosch, CEO of Louvre Hotels
- Cristina Cabañas, President of Guitart Hotels
- Teodora Marinska, Chief Operating Officer of the European Travel Commission
- Rikke Holm Petersen, Marketing Director of Wonderful Copenhagen
- Joan Roca, CEO of Essentialist
- Fabio Bin, Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of WeRoad
- Beatriz Miguel, General Manager of Ilunion Hotels
- Etienne Goujot, CEO of Thalasseo
The conference agenda will be organised around four main areas:
- Leadership, Innovation & Scale
- Destinations & Experiences
- Hospitality & Accommodation
- Distribution & Agencies
TIS 2026 will also offer dedicated agendas for chief executives, chief information officers, destination management organisations, chief marketing officers, human resources leaders and tourism authorities. These specialised programmes will cover strategic decision-making, technology implementation, talent acquisition, commercial management and the improvement of the traveller experience.
Leadership, Technology and Business Resilience
The conference will examine how tourism companies can scale their business models, strengthen resilience and introduce new technology from a strategic perspective. Discussions will consider political uncertainty, cost pressures and the growing influence of AI on business performance. Other areas will include data-driven decision-making, talent management, women’s leadership and the skills required for the tourism industry’s next stage of development. The programme will also explore how industry leaders can balance technological investment with operational requirements and changing customer expectations.
AI and the Transformation of Tourism Distribution
Changes within tourism distribution will form another major part of the agenda. Sessions will examine how AI, automation and hyper-personalisation are changing the way tourism products are designed, marketed and sold. Speakers will also consider the evolution of travel agencies, distribution channels and direct booking models. The role of transport operators and airlines will be discussed alongside the commercial opportunities developing in international tourism markets.
Smart Destination Management
Destinations will have a prominent role at TIS 2026, with case studies expected from Prague, Seville, Copenhagen, Berlin, Dubrovnik and Bratislava. Representatives will discuss the management of visitor flows, the relationship between residents and visitors, tourism funding strategies and the development of higher-value visitor experiences. The programme will also feature initiatives designed to prevent overcrowding, improve the urban experience and support a more balanced approach to tourism development.
New Models of Tourist Accommodation
TIS 2026 will broaden its coverage of tourist accommodation to include holiday rentals, campsites, glamping sites and other emerging formats alongside the traditional hotel sector. Conference sessions will explore the practical application of AI in operations, revenue management, marketing, customer service and workforce management. Investment strategies and the management of hotel assets and holiday rental properties will also form part of the programme.
Rural Tourism and Digital Sovereignty
The seventh edition of TIS will introduce additional content addressing some of the tourism industry’s emerging challenges. A study of rural tourism in Spain will be presented in collaboration with Escapada Rural. The research will examine a sector that continues to play an important role in diversifying Spain’s tourism offer and creating economic opportunities in inland regions. Digital sovereignty in Spain and across Europe will also feature on the agenda. Sessions will consider how data, digital infrastructure and technological autonomy are becoming strategic priorities for destinations and tourism companies.
Argentina Named Guest Country
Argentina will be the guest country at TIS 2026, following previous editions that featured Mexico, China and South Korea. The partnership will provide Argentina with an international platform to present its tourism, cultural and geographic diversity. Representatives will share the country’s approach to sustainability, connectivity, digital transformation and the development of new tourism models. Argentina’s participation will also strengthen the event’s engagement with the Latin American tourism market.
Tourism Innovation Awards
TIS 2026 will recognise emerging ideas and industry achievements through the Tourism Innovation Awards. The awards will highlight projects using innovation, digital technology and sustainable practices to transform tourism operations, visitor experiences and destination management.
Touristech Startup Fest
The Touristech Startup Fest will return as a dedicated competition for emerging tourism technology companies. A total of 40 startups will be selected to present their solutions to investors, venture capital funds and established tourism companies. The initiative is designed to connect emerging businesses with potential partners and sources of investment while providing the wider industry with access to new products and business ideas.
About TIS – Tourism Innovation Summit
TIS – Tourism Innovation Summit is an international forum focused on technology, innovation and emerging trends within tourism and hospitality. The seventh edition will take place from 6–8 October 2026 at FIBES Seville in Spain.Over three days, the event is expected to bring together more than 8,000 tourism professionals, over 200 exhibiting companies and more than 400 national and international experts. The programme will combine an industry exhibition with conference sessions, business meetings, startup presentations and networking opportunities.
https://www.tisglobalsummit.com
