Institutes

Nova SBE Westmont Institute of Tourism & Hospitality

Collaborating for a Sustainable Future & Service Excellence Transformation across industries

Becoming the go-to destination for experts — both academics and practitioners — by serving as a hub for meaningful discussions, innovative strategies to amplify the industry's voice, and the acceleration of emerging trends.

SusTABLE

SusTABLE

Powered by Cascais Tourism Association, we are organizing a whole week dedicated to Sustainability in the Food Sector, particularly exploring the significant problem of Food Waste, bringing theory and practice together in multiple activities for diverse stakeholders. 

- Hospitality Immersive Week where students from our workstream of Hospitality are ideating around food waste for the restauration sector and the local municipality. James Hacon will be with us, as well as mentors in the field to accelerate students’ ideas. 
- A documentary (showcasing National-wide best practices) 
- An open kitchen day with EUREST – Nova SBE’s canteen supplier ready to teach our staff & faculty how to cook with food waste. 
- The Sustainable Restauration Association team is coming to Nova SBE to deliver an intensive executive program for restaurants around their sustainability framework 
- Reflection & Discussion through Roundtables dedicated to the topic. 

SRA Acceleration Program

SRA Acceleration Program

The Sustainable Restaurant Association has launched one of the world’s most rigorous and globally recognized sustainability certifications for restaurants. In Portugal, only one restaurant has achieved it — SEM. The Westmont Institute is committed to empowering many more to follow this path. 

This 3-day immersive program, running from June 3rd to 5th, will mark the launch of the first edition of this transformative cohort. 

Women in Tourism Leadership (to be defined)

Women in Tourism Leadership (to be defined)

The hospitality paradox: women drive 52%-70% of the industry, but leadership roles remain elusive - 6% of CEO roles, 23% of executive positions​, 29% senior manager roles​. In Portugal, data follows the global paradigm.  

Westmont Institute is kicking-off an open dialogue think tank – per invitation only – to accelerate what could be our role to play in addressing the gender gap in leadership positions across the tourism & hospitality industry. 

Jenny Hoobler is our Academic Leader sharing evidence-based knowledge. Dr Arin N Reeves is joining us setting the inspirational tone for this lifetime challenge. 

NOS Tourism Club for Digital Transformation

In partnership with NOS, Nest, the Westmont Institute, and Nova SBE, we will establish a community of practice in which hotels—our community members—will collaboratively explore and share best practices in digital transformation. 

Conference & Awards Leaders in Tourism

A Portugal-focused event bringing the tourism industry together around a single, dedicated theme. In 2024, it was IMPACT. In 2025, it's The Power of Communication in Leadership — with sustainability still playing a key role. 

On June 5th, 2025, TNews and the Nova SBE Westmont Institute of Tourism & Hospitality will host the 4th edition of the Tourism Leaders Conference & Awards at the Nova SBE campus in Carcavelos. This year’s theme, “The Power of Communication,” explores how effective communication fuels strong leadership and drives transformation across the tourism sector. 

The event also features the Tourism Leaders Awards, recognizing excellence in categories such as Luxury Hotel, Sustainable Impact, and Creative Brand. The “Women Leaders in Tourism by WiTH” award will return to celebrate women shaping the future of the industry. 

WiTH TALKS

We connect students with the world of hospitality, its daily challenges, and future strategies while providing valuable insights for planning and developing their careers. These talks and event are often open to all community members. 

WiTH Talks are a joint initiative with the Nova SBE Hospitality Student Club and started in 2021, bringing to Nova SBE different experts and stakeholders within the industry. 

Service Excellence Award

Celebrating service industries that are living up to a hospitality culture in their end-to-end customer journey. 

News to be shared soon! 

 
 

Contact us

Would you like to get involved with us? Drop us an email to: westmont.institute@novasbe.pt

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If you are a Nova SBE Alumni working in Tourism & Hospitality, or willing to know more about the industry’s events, trends and opportunities, join us in LinkedIn