Portugal
Portugal
Algarve Hospitality Forum 2026
Organized by Eversheds Sutherland Portugal
About the event
AHETA – the Algarve Association of Hotels and Tourist Resorts – and Eversheds Sutherland are delighted to invite you to an exclusive event dedicated to the key legal, regulatory and tax challenges that are shaping the future of the hotel industry, tourism and property investment.
Against a backdrop of increasing regulatory pressure, a shortage of talent, digital transformation and the need to maximise asset returns, we are bringing together business leaders, investors and experts for a morning of discussion focused on practical solutions and business opportunities.
For more information, please contact:
Sara Pereira da Silva, spsilva@eversheds-sutherland.net
Agenda
09:00 – Registration and welcome coffee 09.30 – Opening: The Algarve as an investment destination: challenges and opportunities for the coming years
Institutional presentation on developments in the region’s tourism and property markets, the challenges of competitiveness and the priorities for sustainable growth. 09:45 – PEOPLE, TALENT AND LABOUR COMPLIANCE How to address the shortage of human resources and minimise legal risks
People management remains one of the greatest challenges for tour operators. The recruitment of foreign workers, seasonality, working hours, subcontracting and labour inspections place new demands on employers.
Panel: Moderator + André David (Eversheds Sutherland) + Guest/Associate/Speaker from AHETA
This session will explore practical solutions for:
- Seasonal recruitment and flexible working arrangements;
- Working hours;
- ACT audits and inspections;
- Labour compliance programmes and contingency planning.
10.15 – LEGAL CHALLENGES IN THE SELECTION AND MANAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS
How to protect your business in an increasingly digital sector
Hotels and tour operators handle large volumes of personal data relating to guests, staff and partners on a daily basis. At the same time, the adoption of artificial intelligence and automation tools raises new regulatory challenges.
Panel: Moderator + Paulo Sampaio Neves and Tiago Macaia Martins (Eversheds Sutherland) + [cybersecurity expert / to be confirmed – to be nominated by ES and/or AHETA]
Key topics:
- The GDPR as it applies to the hospitality and tourism sectors;
- Management of guest data and loyalty programmes;
- Artificial Intelligence and the impact of the AI Act;
- E-commerce and cybersecurity;
- How to reduce reputational and financial risks.
10.45 – Coffee break & networking 11.05 – TAXATION: OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS
How to optimise tax efficiency and prepare for an AI-driven tax audit
Operating costs are rising and the tax authorities are accelerating their digital transformation. For investors and hotel operators, a thorough understanding of the tax framework is now a competitive advantage and a way of reducing risks.
Panel: Moderator + Bruno Arez Martins and Teresa Oliveira Braga (Eversheds Sutherland) + (suggestion: Finance Director of Faro) / to be confirmed)
Key topics:
- Investing more effectively: a guide to tax opportunities in the hospitality sector
- The digital Tax Authority: preparing for the new generation of tax audits
11.45 – Common causes of litigation in the hotel sector
Panel: Moderator + Sofia Ferreira Enriquez 12.00 – Compliance and regulatory matters
Panel: Moderator + Dirce Rente + [Nuno Bastos, Portuguese Observatory for Compliance and Regulatory Affairs] 12.40 – THE FUTURE OF THE HOTEL SECTOR
Roundtable discussion with leaders from the hospitality and investment sectors
The perspective of hotel group leaders and investors on the challenges facing the Algarve over the next decade: talent and productivity; Portugal’s appeal; the region’s competitiveness; domestic investment versus foreign investment.
Panel: Moderator + Ricardo Anastácio (Eversheds Sutherland) + José Leandro (Hotel Alísios) + leaders from hotel groups and investors, e.g. Algarve Tourism Region, a speaker from the aviation sector (to be confirmed). 1.10 – CLOSING CEREMONY and Networking Lunch
Speaker
Location
© Eversheds Sutherland. All rights reserved. Eversheds Sutherland is a global provider of legal and other services operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. Eversheds Sutherland is the name and brand under which the members of Eversheds Sutherland Limited (Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP) and their respective controlled, managed and affiliated firms and the members of Eversheds Sutherland (Europe) Limited (each an "Eversheds Sutherland Entity" and together the "Eversheds Sutherland Entities") provide legal or other services to clients around the world. Eversheds Sutherland Entities are constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local regulatory and legal requirements and operate in accordance with their locally registered names. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland, is for description purposes only and does not imply that the Eversheds Sutherland Entities are in a partnership or are part of a global LLP. The responsibility for the provision of services to the client is defined in the terms of engagement between the instructed firm and the client.
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© Eversheds Sutherland. All rights reserved. Eversheds Sutherland is a global provider of legal and other services operating through various separate and distinct legal entities. Eversheds Sutherland is the name and brand under which the members of Eversheds Sutherland Limited (Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP) and their respective controlled, managed and affiliated firms and the members of Eversheds Sutherland (Europe) Limited (each an "Eversheds Sutherland Entity" and together the "Eversheds Sutherland Entities") provide legal or other services to clients around the world. Eversheds Sutherland Entities are constituted and regulated in accordance with relevant local regulatory and legal requirements and operate in accordance with their locally registered names. The use of the name Eversheds Sutherland, is for description purposes only and does not imply that the Eversheds Sutherland Entities are in a partnership or are part of a global LLP. The responsibility for the provision of services to the client is defined in the terms of engagement between the instructed firm and the client.
Connect with us: