The Tourism Innovation Global Summit has appointed Brigitte Hidalgo as its new director, bringing two decades of experience in travel, hospitality, and digital marketplaces to the leadership of this pivotal tourism event.
Hidalgo’s appointment comes ahead of TIS2025, the international forum set to take place in Seville from October 22 to 24, gathering over 8,000 professionals and 400 global experts focused on shaping the future of tourism.
Hidalgo, who has held senior executive roles including CEO and COO at Weekendesk, has been instrumental in leading international expansion strategies and launching new digital business models. With roots in hotel management at brands like Sercotel Hotels and Husa Hotels, she also brings operational and commercial expertise from both independent and chain hotel settings.
Guiding the Future of Global Tourism
As director of the Tourism Innovation Global Summit, Hidalgo will oversee the content agenda of TIS2025, curating panels, sessions, and forums that address pressing issues such as sustainability, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and evolving traveler expectations. Her goal is to provide tourism professionals with actionable insights and real-world strategies to thrive in a competitive, ever-changing landscape.
“It is an honor to take on the role of director of the Tourism Innovation Global Summit, a forum that has become a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, and solutions for the tourism of tomorrow,” said Hidalgo. “My goal is to build a program that inspires, mobilizes, and provides practical tools to all players across the tourism value chain.”
Silvia Avilés, director of TIS, praised the appointment: “Brigitte’s appointment is a key step in continuing to strengthen the international positioning of the congress. Her deep understanding of the tourism ecosystem and her ability to connect trends with real market dynamics will be fundamental to delivering a highly valuable agenda.”
What to Expect at TIS2025
Under the theme ‘Innovation in motion, tourism reimagined’, TIS2025 will return to Seville’s FIBES conference center from October 22 to 24. The event will convene more than 8,000 attendees and feature:
- Over 400 international speakers and experts
- Five simultaneous auditoriums
- Eight vertical forums for tourism subsectors
- A large exhibition hall with over 200 companies
- Cutting-edge tech showcases, including AI, robotics, AR/VR, and cybersecurity
Topics will include:
- Artificial intelligence for personalized guest experiences
- Robotics in tourism operations
- New digital acquisition channels
- Inclusive technology for accessible tourism
- Tools for improving profitability and sustainability
Innovation Meets Collaboration
TIS2025 will also feature the Tourism Innovation Awards, recognizing groundbreaking projects and companies transforming the industry, as well as the Touristech Startup Fest, which brings together start-ups and investors to fuel innovation across the tourism value chain.
In addition to corporate attendees, TIS2025 will cater to professionals from destinations, hotel groups, travel agencies, airlines, MICE, and cultural tourism sectors—making it a comprehensive platform for collaboration and learning across all tourism verticals.
With the global travel industry facing new challenges and opportunities—from shifting traveler behavior to the integration of emerging technologies—leadership and vision are more critical than ever. Brigitte Hidalgo’s background in strategy, operations, and innovation positions her to lead a dynamic and results-oriented summit that will help redefine the role of technology in tourism’s future.
TIS2025 aims to be more than just a conference. It’s a call to action for the tourism sector to think boldly, act collaboratively, and innovate continuously in pursuit of smarter, more sustainable growth.
