From 20 to 22 October, Lusófona University welcomed partners from across Europe for FUTOURWORK’s third consortium meeting.
Over three days of work, sharing and reflection, the team reviewed early research findings and planned how the project will share its evidence and resources in the coming year.
Running from January 2025 until June 2028, FUTOURWORK is a Horizon Europe-funded research project working towards a fairer, more inclusive tourism and hospitality sector. Coordinated by the University of Westminster, it brings together academic and non-profit partners from six countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and the UK.
Progressing Research on Tourism, Social Dialogue and Worker Wellbeing
Covering every work package in the project, sessions during the three days were an important opportunity to review progress towards project deliverables.
Discussions and activities ranged from developing our in-depth literature review and preliminary analysis of our worker survey and stakeholder interviews, to new research on who bears the costs of change in the sector. We also agreed next steps towards delivering our database of collective agreements, wellbeing index and benchmarking tool, and accessible legal handbooks for workers.
In addition, partners mapped out the year ahead, including stakeholder dialogue meetings and a programme of events to share findings with workers, unions, employers and policymakers. This will include public screenings of our documentary for the general public across the six project countries in early 2028.
Collaboration in Lisbon
The Lusófona University team gave partners a warm welcome to Lisbon and ensured a productive environment throughout our stay.
Mafalda Patuleia, head of the department of tourism at Lusófona University, said: “Hosting the FUTOURWORK consortium meeting reminded us why this project matters: behind every tourism experience are people whose wellbeing shapes the quality of everything we offer.
“By helping to strengthen dialogue between workers and employers, we are building the foundations for healthier, fairer workplaces in tourism and hospitality.”
Beyond the meeting room, the Lusófona team organised a walking tour of Lisbon and a dinner at the emblematic Casa do Alentejo. It was a reminder that building healthy work environments also means cultivating good relationships and shared experiences.
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