Conference

Host institution: CETT, the Barcelona School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy affiliated with the University of Barcelona

Founded in 1969, CETT has been a pioneer in tourism, hospitality and gastronomy education for more than five decades. Affiliated with the University of Barcelona since 1997, CETT has built a distinctive educational ecosystem that integrates higher education, research, knowledge transfer and industry collaboration, contributing to the advancement of the sector both nationally and internationally.

Today, CETT is recognised as an international centre of excellence, welcoming students, researchers and professionals from around the world. Its academic model combines rigorous education with real-world industry engagement, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development across tourism, hospitality and gastronomy.

Through its close relationship with businesses, institutions and industry leaders, CETT serves as a bridge between academia and professional practice. This commitment is reflected in its strong focus on employability, applied research and the development of forward-thinking solutions to the challenges shaping the future of visitor economies and hospitality experiences.

33.637

square meters of campus

+2600

students

+80

nationalities

+22.000

alumni

+300

teaching and research team

+1.000

agreements with companies

agreements with internacional universities

agreements with international organitzations and associations

Our conference theme: Redefining Tourism and Hospitality Through Experiences

Tourism is no longer defined solely by destinations, accommodation capacity or visitor numbers. It is increasingly shaped by the quality, authenticity and transformative power of experiences. As the global visitor economy evolves, value creation is shifting from service provision to experience design, emotional engagement and meaningful interaction.

The conference theme, Redefining Tourism and Hospitality Through Experiences, places the Experience Economy at the centre of academic and industry dialogue. The conference will explore how destinations, hospitality businesses and gastronomic innovators can create differentiated, sustainable and competitive value through experience-driven strategies.

Meaningful Experiences

From transactions to transformation

Value is no longer measured solely through products and services. Today's travellers seek authentic, memorable and meaningful experiences that create emotional connections and lasting impact.

Destination Innovation

Creating competitive value

Destinations and tourism organisations are increasingly using experience design to differentiate themselves, strengthen their reputation and deliver unique visitor experiences.

Sustainability & Responsibility

Experiences with purpose

As sustainability becomes a strategic imperative, the challenge is to create experiences that generate value not only for visitors but also for communities, businesses and destinations.

The Future of Hospitality

Rethinking traditional models

Digital transformation, changing expectations and new forms of engagement are reshaping how hospitality services are designed, delivered and experienced.

EMEA CHRIE Barcelona 2027 Organising Committee

PhD. Álvaro Arrieta Valle

Conference Chair

Teaches Business Management in the Bachelor's Degree in Culinary and Gastronomic Sciences at CETT and directs the Master's in Hospitality Management. He also leads the Alimara Living Lab, an innovation platform for applied research in hospitality and restaurants. As Conference Chair, he holds overall responsibility for the conference's strategic leadership and delivery, institutional coordination and alignment with EMEA CHRIE governance requirements.

PhD. Oriol Anguera-Torrell

Academic Program Chair

PhD in Economics from Pompeu Fabra University; Director of Research at CETT , focused on tourism and hospitality economics. Dr. Oriol Anguera-Torrell is responsible for the scientific integrity of the conference, including the call for papers, peer-review process, track coordination and final program design. This role ensures academic quality and alignment with EuroCHRIE standards.

PhD. Nuria Louzao

Industry and External Relations Lead

Combines academic expertise with extensive experience in the luxury hospitality sector. She coordinates keynote speakers, foster corporate partnerships and promote industry–academia engagement within the programme.

Marta Alfaro

Communications Director

Marketing and Communications Manager at CETT. She leads the conference's communication strategy, manages its digital platforms and ensures effective dissemination of information to delegates, partners and the wider academic and professional community.

Alba Guillen

Operations and Logistics Director

Corporate Event Planner at CETT. She oversees venue management, catering coordination, technical support and on-site execution, ensuring the smooth delivery of the conference.

Helena Pérez Pérez

Conference logistics and technical operations

Project Manager, Lecturer and Researcher at CETT, combining academic expertise with professional experience in the hospitality sector, particularly in guest relations and innovation. She leads the logistics and technical operations of the conference, ensuring a seamless experience for delegates and speakers and the smooth delivery of all sessions in line with EuroCHRIE standards.

Brina Antunez Pineda

Conference scientific operations

Currently a PhD in Business candidate at the University of Barcelona (UB), coordinates the conference's scientific operations. Responsibilities include coordinating the call for papers, peer-review process, academic deadlines, and final program development, ensuring the effective delivery of scientific workflows and alignment with EMEA CHRIE academic standards.

Júlia Balart

Event Planner at CETTT-UB

Currently working at the Events team at CETT where she coordinates the planning and delivery of academic, institutional and industry events. For EMEA CHRIE Barcelona 2027, she will oversee the conference's operational, logistical, communication and promotional activities, working closely with the organising team to ensure a seamless delegate experience.

About EMEA CHRIE

EMEA CHRIE is the Hospitality & Tourism Educators federation serving Europe, the Middle East and Africa — the regional arm of International CHRIE, the world's leading organisation supporting education, research and training for the hospitality and tourism industry. Bringing together educators, researchers, students and industry professionals, EMEA CHRIE encourages dialogue, strengthens collaboration between academia and industry, and champions the advancement of hospitality and tourism education across the region.

For more information about EMEA CHRIE's mission, board and membership, visit the official EMEA CHRIE website.

EMEA CHRIE Barcelona 2027 is organised under the guidance of the EMEA CHRIE Board and Advisory Board, whose members represent the federation across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and oversee the conference's alignment with EMEA CHRIE's mission and standards.

For the current composition of the Board and Advisory Board, please visit the official EMEA CHRIE website.

EMEA CHRIE WEBSITE

EMEA CHRIE BOARD