IPS Professors Strengthen International Collaboration on Mission to India as Part of the European SIPAS Project

From April 14 to 19, professors Duarte Xara Brasil and Helena Martins from the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal (IPS) took part in a work mission to India within the framework of the European SIPAS project – Advancing Sustainability and Technology in Tourism, Hospitality, and Services Studies through Strategic Industry Partnerships.

From April 14 to 19, professors Duarte Xara Brasil and Helena Martins from the Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal (IPS) took part in a work mission to India within the framework of the European SIPAS project – Advancing Sustainability and Technology in Tourism, Hospitality, and Services Studies through Strategic Industry Partnerships.

Coordinated by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Latvia) and funded by the Erasmus+ program, the SIPAS project aims to develop and implement innovative teaching modules focused on sustainability and the application of emerging technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, in the tourism and service sectors. These modules will be implemented in India by Pondicherry University and the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM), both project partners.

The main purpose of the IPS representatives’ mission was to follow up on ongoing work, with particular emphasis on the strategic involvement of stakeholders from the tourism industry and the design of educational content tailored to the needs of the sector. During the visit, the professors took part in several working meetings with the Indian partner institutions and with representatives of local organizations and companies.

In addition to making progress on the defined academic goals, the trip also helped to strengthen international cooperation among the participating institutions. “This mission was essential for aligning expectations, sharing best practices, and promoting a truly collaborative approach between academia and the business sector, contributing to the training of professionals who are better prepared for the challenges of the sustainable tourism industry,” emphasized the IPS professors.

With the participation of institutions from Portugal, Latvia, and India, the SIPAS project will have a direct impact on hundreds of students and teachers. The initiative also includes the creation of technological innovation labs in Indian universities, as well as international conferences and training activities over the next two years.