Mediterranean Tourism Foundation

Malta · 24–27 November 2026

Mediterranean Tourism Future Talent Competition and Hackathon 2026

Student ideas shaping the future of Mediterranean tourism — an international competition and hackathon for university teams from across the Mediterranean and beyond.

Part of the Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference 2026. Hosted by the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation, chaired by Prof. Dimitrios Buhalis.

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3–6
Students per team
2
Categories
6
Thematic areas
27 Nov
Awards day

ABOUT THE FORUM

Mediterranean Tourism Forum 2026

The yellow-highlighted sections of the Forum Calendar indicate the Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference, held as part of the larger Mediterranean Tourism Forum. The 2026 Conference also features the Writing Retreat, Mediterranean Tourism Future Talent Competition, Hackathon, and associated academic sessions.

CategoryTuesday 24Wednesday 25Thursday 26Friday 27
Industry—Competition – ForbesCompetition – Forbes.comMediterranean Tourism Plenary / Masterclasses
AcademicsWriting retreat / Editors panelMediterranean Tourism Research Conference (MTC) keynote papersMediterranean Tourism Research Conference (MTC) competition / Industry panel / HackathonMediterranean Tourism Plenary / Masterclasses
StudentsTalent hackathonTalent hackathonMediterranean Tourism Research Conference (MTC) / Hackathon / Career seminarMediterranean Tourism Plenary / Masterclasses
Events—Awards in Palace / Networking receptionConcertMediterranean Tourism Plenary / Masterclasses
Exhibition / Display——Photography / Art—

Swipe horizontally to view the full calendar.

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Call for Participation

Mediterranean Tourism Future Talent Competition and Hackathon 2026

The MED Talent Challenge 2026 and the MED Tourism Hackathon 2026 bring together students, academics, researchers, policymakers, tourism professionals and destination stakeholders to explore new ideas for the future of Mediterranean tourism.

The initiatives form part of the Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference, taking place in Malta from 24 to 27 November 2026.

Under the theme of innovation, sustainability, research and collaboration, the programme aims to give young people and emerging professionals the opportunity to develop practical, research-informed and forward-looking solutions for tourism across the Mediterranean region.

MED Talent Challenge - University Team Competition 

An international student competition designed to attract, connect and showcase emerging talent from universities across the Mediterranean and beyond. Teams develop research-based, innovative and actionable ideas for the future of Mediterranean tourism.

It moves beyond simply discussing tourism challenges by encouraging students to propose practical solutions and become active contributors to the future of the industry.

Developed in collaboration with the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation, academic partners, conference organisers and selected members of the Foundation's wider Mediterranean network — including the Foundation's senators who help open doors, support participation and contribute to evaluation.

MED Tourism Hackathon - Cross-University Collaboration

An international student hackathon where multi-university teams and multidisciplinary teams co-create practical solutions for the future of Mediterranean tourism. Teams are formed in Malta and work intensively over two days to address real tourism challenges — sustainability, heritage, technology, community resilience and destination development.

Participants combine creativity, research, digital tools and strategic thinking to develop innovative concepts with real-world relevance, connecting with researchers, industry representatives and policymakers from different countries.

Theme of the MED Talent Challenge

“Reimagining Mediterranean Tourism Futures”

Teams develop a research-informed proposal addressing a relevant Mediterranean tourism challenge — with clear evidence, recommendations and implementation implications.

01

Regenerative & Sustainable Tourism

Climate resilience, blue economy, regenerative tourism and net-positive destinations.

02

Technology, AI & Smart Tourism

Smart destinations, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and intelligent tourism ambience.

03

Policy, Planning & Governance

Destination governance, safety and security, crisis management, regulation, economics, accessibility, mobility and Mediterranean networks.

04

Culture, Society & Art

Cultural heritage, gastronomy, art, nautical heritage and the diversity of Mediterranean landscapes.

05

People & Talent

Talent development and skills, inclusion, community involvement and engagement.

06

Tourism Trends

Consumers, markets, value, authentic experiences, responsible tourism, AI and digital behaviour.

Who Can Apply

Open to students from across the Mediterranean and beyond

The MED Talent Challenge - University Team Competition welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds and levels of study. Multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged to foster diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.

Two Categories

Fair evaluation, balanced

  • Undergraduate Teams — bachelor-level programmes or equivalent
  • Postgraduate Teams — Master's or PhD programmes or equivalent

Team Composition

3 to 6 students per team per University

  • One designated team coordinator for official communications
  • An academic mentor or faculty supervisor
  • Hackathon teams: 5–7 multinational participants

Eligible Students

Undergraduate, Master's & PhD

Open to students currently enrolled at a higher education institution. Multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged.

Submission Requirements

What teams submit for the MED Talent Competition

Detailed submission guidelines, templates and registration procedures will be announced through official conference channels.

Before the conference

01

Extended Abstract

Max 3,000 words

Objectives, methodology, proposed solution, expected impact and references.

02

Executive Policy Brief

Max 2 pages

Concise, policy-oriented overview of the proposal supported by research evidence.

03

Presentation Slides

Max 20 slides

Submitted in advance alongside the other required documents.

04

Video Pitch

Max 3 minutes

Short, engaging video presenting the team, the challenge addressed and the core idea.

During the conference

Each team delivers a 10-minute live presentation, followed by a 5-minute discussion with the international jury panel. Finalist teams invited to the final round may be asked to refine and strengthen their proposals before presenting at the plenary session.

Hackathon

How will the MED Tourism Hackathon work?

Participant Structure

Teams

  • Opt-in — participants choose to join the hackathon experience.
  • Multinational — teams bring together students from different countries.
  • Multidisciplinary — mixed backgrounds in tourism, tech, business, design and policy.
  • 5–7 participants per team — small enough to collaborate, large enough to diversify skills.

Deliverables >>>

Main Concept: Heritage Tourism

Each team develops a practical solution around the shared theme of Mediterranean heritage tourism. Work is presented through four concrete deliverables.

  1. 1

    Executive Policy Brief

    A 2-page document outlining the problem, solution, implementation, impact, and scalability.

  2. 2

    Visual Prototype

    A mock-up, dashboard, framework, platform concept, policy model, or campaign concept.

  3. 3

    Solution Pitch

    A short oral presentation to introduce the team’s solution.

  4. 4

    Impact Statement

    A document detailing the expected economic, environmental, social, and governance impact.

Judging & Assessment

An international jury of academics, policymakers and industry leaders

Projects are evaluated by an international jury composed of academics, tourism policymakers, industry representatives and destination stakeholders. Undergraduate and postgraduate teams are evaluated separately.

MED TALENT COMPETITION

Evaluation Criteria

  • Evidence and Analytical Quality30 pts
  • Policy Relevance and Mediterranean Applicability30 pts
  • Feasibility, Sustainability and Impact25 pts
  • Pitch and Communication15 pts

MED Tourism Hackathon

Evaluation Criteria

  • Innovation and Creativity20%
  • Team Collaboration and Multinational Integration20%
  • Feasibility and Implementation Potential20%
  • Mediterranean Relevance, Impact and Solution Development20%
  • Pitch and Communication20%

Key Dates

Timeline 2026

All events take place in Malta as part of the four-day conference programme from 24 to 27 November 2026. Teams should plan to attend both preliminary and final rounds.

  1. 30 September 2026

    Intention to Submit

    Open online intention to participate or preliminary registration.

  2. 26 October 2026

    Submission

    Online submission of all required documents.

  3. 5 November 2026

    Early-Bird Registration

    Team registration deadline.

  4. 24 Nov 2026 · AM

    MED Talent Competition

    Institutional team presentations.

  5. 24 Nov 2026 · PM

    MED Tourism Hackathon Launch

    Multicultural team formation.

  6. 24–25 November 2026

    MED Tourism Hackathon Sprint

    Two days of intensive work and idea development.

  7. 26 November 2026

    MED Tourism Hackathon Finals

    Final team presentations to the jury.

  8. 27 November 2026

    Awards & Forum

    Awards ceremony and the Mediterranean Tourism Forum.

Awards & Recognition

Awards & Recognition

The competition will recognize outstanding student ideas that combine research quality, innovation, practical relevance, and positive impact for Mediterranean tourism.

Recognition Categories

01

Best Undergraduate MED Talent Challenge Policy Proposal

02

Best Postgraduate MED Talent Challenge Policy Proposal

03

MED Tourism Hackathon Best Innovation for Mediterranean Tourism

04

MED Tourism Hackathon Best Policy Impact Potential

05

Jury Special Mentions

Visibility and Next Steps

Selected teams may be invited to present their ideas within the conference program, engage with academics and industry representatives, and connect with the wider Mediterranean Tourism Foundation network, opening doors for future collaborations and career opportunities.

Executive Board

Led by leading academics and industry professionals

The MED Talent Challenge 2026 and Hackathon are led by an esteemed group ensuring academic rigour and practical relevance.

Directors

Professor Dimitrios Buhalis

Bournemouth University · International Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research

Andrew Agius Muscat

Co-founder & Secretary General, Mediterranean Tourism Foundation

Executive Committee

Dr Maria Teresa Borges Tiago

Senior Associate Professor, University of the Azores, Portugal

Dr Flávio Gomes Borges Tiago

Senior Associate Professor, University of the Azores, Portugal

Dr Emil Juvan

Associate Professor & Dean, University of Primorska — Faculty of Tourism Studies (Turistica), Slovenia

Dr Efthymia Sarantakou

Associate Professor, Spatial Policies in Tourism, University of West Attica, Greece

Dr Marie Louise Mangion

Head of Department, Policy, Politics and Governance · Deputy Dean, L-Università ta' Malta

MTF Senators

Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar

Former Member of the European Parliament, Portugal

Hisham Zaazou

Former Minister of Tourism, Egypt

Barbaros Kon

Industry Leader, Turkey

Hamid Bentahar

President, Moroccan Confederation of Tourism, Morocco

Thanos Michaelides

CEO of Thanos Hotels & President of the Cyprus Hotel Association

MED Talent Council — Who Can Apply

The MED Talent Council serves as the strategic advisory and evaluation body of the competition. Members promote the Challenge's objectives, review and assess submitted projects, participate in finalist selection, contribute to award decisions, mentor teams, and connect students with industry and policy stakeholders.

  • • University Professors & Researchers
  • • Tourism Managers & Practitioners
  • • Tourism Organisation Representatives
  • • Policymakers & Public Sector Professionals
  • • Innovation & Sustainability Experts
  • • Senior Executives in Tourism & Hospitality
  • • International Organisation Representatives

Registration & Submission

Join Mediterranean Tourism Future Talent Competition and Hackathon 2026

Be part of an international community of student innovators reimagining Mediterranean tourism. Leave your details and we will contact you as soon as the official entry portal opens.

Contact

Questions about the Mediterranean Tourism Future Talent Competition?

Professor Dimitrios Buhalis

Prof. Dimitrios Buhalis

dbuhalis@bournemouth.ac.uk