Published on
January 28, 2026
By: Paramita Sarkar
The Future Hospitality & Tourism Forum 2026 is set to take place in Tallinn from February 2 to 4, 2026, bringing together over 250 executives, destination managers, and technology innovators from across the Baltic and Nordic hospitality sectors. Hosted by the Estonian Hotel and Restaurant Association (EHRA/EHRL), the forum is poised to be the premier event for industry leaders to explore the future of tourism, AI-driven transformations, sustainability, and the evolving demands of the modern hospitality business.
The annual event rotates each year between Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, with this year’s gathering taking place at the Hilton Tallinn Park. With a packed agenda featuring more than 25 thought leaders from across Europe, the forum is set to provide attendees with valuable insights into how the hospitality industry can remain competitive and innovate in the face of rapidly changing market conditions.
Who Are the Key Figures and Speakers at the Event?
The Future Hospitality & Tourism Forum 2026 will feature an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including industry veterans and experts in the fields of hospitality, gastronomy, sustainability, and AI. Among the confirmed speakers are Erkki Keldo, the Estonian Minister of Economy and Industry, and Jane Cunningham, Director of European Engagement at Destinations International, who will discuss governmental strategies for the sector’s future.
In the area of industry operations, Giovanni Valentini, CEO of Apex Alliance Hotel Management, will open the forum with a session on sector resilience and operational efficiency. Other notable speakers include Ana Roš, the Michelin-starred chef-owner of Hiša Franko, and Sasu Laukkonen, a Michelin-starred chef from Finland, who will delve into the intersections of gastronomy, sustainability, and innovation in the hospitality world. Additionally, experts like Prof. Klaus Heine and Ged Brown will focus on luxury branding and strategies for fostering year-round tourism growth.
What Will the Forum Focus On?
The central theme of the forum is “future-proofing” the hospitality business, with discussions centered on three main pillars: competitiveness and economy, AI and digital transformation, and sustainability. The event will feature panels, workshops, and networking sessions designed to address pressing challenges and explore emerging trends in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Competitiveness & Economy: The forum will address the economic pressures facing the hospitality industry, such as price inflation and labor shortages. Tõnu Mertsina, Chief Economist at Swedbank, will kick off the discussions with insights into current economic trends and how the industry can adapt to market pressures.AI & Digital Transformation: Artem Daniliants will lead sessions on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday hospitality workflows. Attendees will learn how AI can help streamline operations, enhance customer service, and provide data-driven insights to boost revenue and efficiency.Sustainability & Gastronomy: Ana Roš and other sustainability experts will focus on how the hospitality industry can embrace regenerative farming, sustainable food practices, and eco-friendly operations. These conversations will be vital as the global tourism industry increasingly turns its attention to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.Where Will the Event Take Place?
The Future Hospitality & Tourism Forum 2026 will be held at the Hilton Tallinn Park in the heart of Estonia’s vibrant capital. Tallinn, known for its rich medieval history and modern innovation, provides an ideal backdrop for this year’s event. The city is a popular destination for both leisure and business tourism, with its bustling Old Town, rich cultural heritage, and emerging tech scene making it a hub for tourism industry discussions.
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When Does the Forum Begin and What is the Schedule?
The event kicks off on February 2, 2026, with an informal evening get-together from 19:00 to 21:30, where participants can network and complete early registration. This will be followed by the main program of the forum on February 3–4, 2026, which will feature keynote speeches, expert panels, and interactive workshops.
In addition to the formal sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in Hospitality Trails, which are guided, behind-the-scenes walking tours of Tallinn’s most innovative hotels, restaurants, and creative districts. These tours offer a unique chance to see firsthand how local operators are implementing cutting-edge hospitality strategies and technology.
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How Will the Forum Benefit Attendees?
The Future Hospitality & Tourism Forum 2026 provides attendees with valuable opportunities to network, collaborate, and share ideas with industry leaders from across Europe and beyond. The event’s primary goal is to foster meaningful connections that can lead to strategic partnerships and innovative collaborations, helping operators navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of the hospitality industry.
The interactive elements of the forum, such as the social dinner at Restaurant UMA and the Hospitality Trails, allow attendees to experience Tallinn’s culinary scene and cutting-edge hospitality establishments while building relationships with their peers. With multiple dedicated networking slots throughout the event, the forum ensures that participants leave with valuable business connections and actionable insights that can be implemented in their own operations.
Why Is the Forum Important for the Baltic and Nordic Hospitality Sectors?
The hospitality sectors in the Baltic and Nordic regions face unique challenges and opportunities, with many operators eager to adapt to new technologies, embrace sustainability practices, and cater to the growing demands of today’s travelers. The Future Hospitality & Tourism Forum serves as an essential platform for discussing these issues and identifying solutions that will help operators stay competitive.
As AI and digital transformation become increasingly important for businesses across industries, the forum will offer attendees a deep dive into how these technologies can reshape operations and enhance customer experiences. Sustainability is also a central theme, as the tourism sector seeks to become more responsible and eco-conscious in response to growing consumer demand for sustainable travel options.
How Can Interested Parties Participate?
The forum is primarily targeted at hotel and restaurant owners, CEOs, destination managers, and regional tourism board members. Tickets for the event are available through the official OnlineExpo and Confenta platforms. While the main registration period is closing soon, early bird options were available in late 2025 for those eager to secure their place at this highly anticipated event.
Conclusion
The Future Hospitality & Tourism Forum 2026 promises to be an exciting and informative gathering for the Baltic and Nordic hospitality sectors, with a focus on AI, sustainability, and the evolving demands of today’s travelers. By bringing together key players from across Europe and beyond, the event will foster collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of ideas that are crucial for the future of hospitality and tourism. With Tallinn as the perfect setting, this year’s forum is sure to inspire the next wave of growth and transformation for the industry.
