Since its first edition in Barcelos in 2008, the ART&TUR International Tourism Film Festival has built a reputation as one of the world’s most prestigious stages for audiovisual creativity in tourism. Year after year, it has achieved international recognition thanks to the quality of films it distinguishes and its integration into CIFFT (International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals)—a global network that annually crowns the best tourism films across 14 festivals worldwide.

For the first time, the city of Fundão hosted the festival, welcoming its 18th edition from September 9 to 12, 2025. Over four days, the region transformed into a hub of creativity and cultural exchange, screening 243 films from 41 countries across categories such as promotional films, documentaries, and storytelling.

The event featured a jury representing 24 nationalities, including IPBN member Mike Rumble of Algarve Solar Pool Heating, alongside roundtables, training sessions, immersive cultural experiences, and more.

Lisbon Heritage Hotels Recognised

Among the highlights for the IPBN was the recognition of one of our members, Lisbon Heritage Hotels, whose video was in the running for a promotional film award. Representing the IPBN, General Manager Arnold Delville attended the festival to celebrate the achievement and to accept the 2nd place award for the best Touristic Services Video on behalf of the Lisbon Heritage Hotels team.

Here is the video in question:

In a heartfelt message sent by Ana Rodrigues, Marketing Manager at Lisbon Heritage Hotels, Arnold delivered the following acceptance speech:

“On behalf of Lisbon Heritage Hotels, I would like to express our deep gratitude for this award at ART&TUR 2025. It is a true honor to see our video recognized at such a prestigious international festival dedicated to tourism and culture. Our hotels are located in historic buildings in the heart of Lisbon, and through this film we wanted to share not only the charm of our properties but also the authentic spirit of the city itself.”

The Festival’s Broader Impact

The ART&TUR Festival not only celebrates creativity but also strengthens the role of tourism films as powerful tools for promotion, reflection, and cultural preservation. As Rui Ventura, President of the Regional Tourism Authority of Central Portugal, noted:

“With each edition, in different destinations, the festival showcases the extraordinary landscape, cultural, and heritage diversity of Central Portugal… ART&TUR is, therefore, a powerful tool for promoting the region. The images captured by the filmmakers invite viewers to discover the region's charms in person. This international projection represents a significant boost for tourism throughout the region.”

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Founder and Director Francisco Dias and Director Mariana Calaça Baptista, this year’s edition ran seamlessly—cementing ART&TUR’s reputation not just as a festival, but as a platform where culture, creativity, and tourism innovation converge. Francisco also posted congratulations and honorable mentions on the official Facebook page. 

Arnold shared his own words on the festival, 

"It was a real pleasure to be in the beautiful city of Fundão to accept this Award on behalf of one of our most loyal members. This Award is a great achievement and very well deserved for such an inspiring film about Lisbon and the Hotel Group. The exposure of the Hotel through the Festival has been immense and I do encourage more members to apply at next year's Festival."

As a member of CIFFT, ART&TUR is part of the global “Championship” of tourism films that culminates each year in Vienna with the World’s Best Tourism Film Awards. This provides participants with benchmarking, networking, and visibility opportunities in the global tourism industry—something that continues to put Portugal firmly on the international map.

We wish all the winners, applicants, and ART&TUR team continued success!