The international conference “Bridging Tourism Academia and Industry: Indian and European Perspectives”, taking place from 7 to 11 September 2026 in Puducherry, India is organised by Pondicherry University in collaboration with the SIPAS consortium partners, including Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal in Portugal and Dr. YSR National Institute of Tourism & Hospitality Management in Hyderabad, India. A number of associated, industry and knowledge partners from Latvia, India and Portugal are also involved in the event. The scientific conference forms part of the SIPAS – Advancing Sustainability and Technology in Tourism, Hospitality, and Services Studies through Strategic Industry Partnerships initiative and is co-funded by the European Union. Further information and conference programme is available here.
The conference programme brings together representatives of higher education institutions, researchers, tourism professionals and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and explore how tourism education and industry cooperation can respond to current and future challenges.
The programme will begin on 7 September at Pondicherry University with the official opening, networking and a cultural programme. On the following day, participants will present study modules, meet with stakeholders and take part in a panel discussion on the paradigm shift in tourism for economic development, as well as a round table focused on stakeholder engagement in the delivery of SIPAS modules.
Sustainability and innovation are among the central themes of the event. On 9 September, the programme includes a special lecture on path-breakers and pitfalls in sustainable tourism, alongside a series of research paper presentations. The fourth day will focus on technology and tourism innovation, including a round-table discussion on developing a dynamic roadmap for the sector, as well as presentations of case studies and work produced by doctoral and MBA tourism students at Pondicherry University.
The conference will conclude on 11 September with field visits, allowing participants to complement academic and professional discussions with practical insights from the destination and tourism sector.