Ibiza will host the seventh edition of HIC Summit from October 15 to 17

International experts, researchers, scientists, investors, entrepreneurs, institutions, and companies will attend this annual reference event, which was born in 2019 with the purpose of promoting a new environmental, social, and economic model for the tourism of the future and contributing a multidisciplinary and plural perspective based on current solutions such as nature-inspired science, the “slow food” trend and the importance of producers in the value chain, social innovation, responsible technological solutions, or investment in the Blue Economy.

As a fact, according to a recent report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), tourism currently accounts for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions — but it is also one of the sectors with the greatest potential for adopting innovative and sustainable solutions. This makes the promotion of initiatives that integrate environmental regeneration, social innovation, and the Blue Economy essential to ensure a more responsible future.

Over three consecutive days, HIC Summit and the island of Ibiza will transform into a unique place to connect, inspire, and drive cooperation, purpose-driven investment, and solutions of common benefit and interest. As the most valuable network for innovation, tourism, and regenerative culture, HIC Summit reinforces its role as a catalyst for disruptive ideas and a multidisciplinary meeting forum for a new, more resilient, fair, and balanced tourism model.

The Right to Enjoyment with a New Sense of Responsibility

The opening day will bring together Michelin-starred and Green Michelin Star chefs, representatives of the primary sector, and experts in tourism and gastronomy for a space of reflection on the strategic role of gastronomy as an economic, social, and cultural engine of the territory.

The Slow Food & Culinary Experience Hub will focus, from an innovative and mindful perspective, on how gastronomy and gastronomic tourism can become catalysts of local identity, sustainability, and competitiveness. The proposal will emphasize the value of producers in the chain, the importance of local products, and the need to return to roots and revive traditions, understood as a new way of conceiving gastronomic enjoyment and the tourism of the future.

Opportunities Represented by the Conservation and Recovery of Seas and Oceans

October 16 will be dedicated to science, research, and the opportunities offered by seas and oceans for the development of the Blue Economy, sustainable entrepreneurship, and investment. It will be a space where public and private sectors share vision and commitment around the conservation and regeneration of marine habitats and species — a true hallmark of territory and a heritage to be preserved for future generations.

The program will be structured into two thematic panels: “Innovation and Investment in Seas and Oceans” and “Blue Life Regeneration,” which will bring together investors, researchers, and agents of change. Through the presentation of pioneering projects from various parts of the world, impact investment models, and innovative strategies, emphasis will be placed on how science, innovation, Blue Economy investment, and awareness are key elements for protecting the natural heritage of coastal and island destinations.

The Ecosystem Driving a New Paradigm for Tourism

The closing day will host the 7th HIC Forum, which will include participation from internationally renowned personalities such as Natalia Olson-Urtecho, an American, former White House Innovation Advisor during Barack Obama’s presidency and current Global Ambassador for Spain and Portugal at the Silicon Valley Forum; and Luigi Cabrini, President of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and one of the most influential voices worldwide in sustainable tourism.

This space for dialogue and collective reflection will once again give voice to talent and address the main challenges and opportunities of contemporary tourism. From a plural perspective, key issues will be discussed such as the role of education in training future talent, nature as a source of inspiration for design and management, growth of the green economy and sustainable infrastructure, the mission to transform the tourism model into coexistence, respect and opportunity for all, with a vision to tackle overtourism and increasing social backlash, or the development of pioneering experiences in regenerative biodiversity applied to tourism. Also, pioneering and inspiring national models that are benchmarks in the world — such as Costa Rica and Seychelles — will be presented.

During the three days of HIC Summit in Ibiza, a new edition of the HIC Talentum Awards will also take place, recognizing individuals and entities from around the world that contribute their passion, dedication, and knowledge in exemplary and tireless ways to generate positive impact on society and the planet. In this edition, special tribute will be paid to Joan Pereyra Tur, an Ibicencan nature lover, veterinarian, science communicator, and underwater photographer.

The event will also feature prominent speakers during the different days such as Gustavo Alvarado, former Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica; José Manuel Lapeña, Consul General of the Republic of the Seychelles; Clara Arpa, President of the UN Global Compact in Spain; Jaume Bauzà, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports of the Balearic Islands; Samara Croci, Head of Communications and Partnerships at the Healthy Seas Foundation (Italy); and Marta Costa, Senior Associate at Maze Impact (Portugal), among many others.

HIC Summit Ibiza 2025 is supported by organizations such as the Consejo Global de Turismo Sostenible (GSTC), Costa Rica, Consell Insular d’Eivissa, Red Española del Pacto Mundial de la ONU, Red Española y Latinoamericana de Turismo Accesible, Ayuntamiento de Eivissa, Ayuntamiento de Santa Eulària des Riu, Fomento de Turismo, PIMEEF, TheHub, Ibiza Botánico Biotecnológico and EHIB, among other strategic partners.