Sustainability and authentic local engagement are changing what planners expect from destinations, venues, and DMC partners. 

The events industry has always relied on strong local connections. Today, however, those relationships are becoming a strategic advantage rather than simply an operational necessity. 

According to Sustainability and DEI: Shaping the Future of Incentive Travel published by SITE, sustainability has evolved from “an emerging idea” into “a clear expectation from clients, employees, and travellers.” It also describes incentive travel as a collaborative ecosystem in which hotels, venues, destination marketing organisations, DMCs, buyers and planners collectively influence the impact of a programme. 

 This creates an important shift in how destinations are assessed. A successful programme is no longer judged only by the quality of its hotel, venue or activities. Planners increasingly need to understand how an event engages with its destination, supports responsible choices and gives attendees an experience that feels genuinely connected to the place. 

For Portugal, this shift presents a compelling opportunity. The country combines established hospitality and event infrastructure with distinctive regions, cultural traditions, locally rooted businesses and a diverse supplier community. Unlocking that potential, however, depends on the quality of the relationships behind the programme. 

Sustainability Begins with the Local Supply Chain 

Sustainability starts long before the event takes place. Visible choices such as waste reduction, seasonal menus or certified venues matter, but the local supply chain shapes the programme’s wider impact. Catering, transport, production, entertainment and guest activities all connect an event to the destination’s economy and resources, so planners need to build responsible sourcing into the programme from the beginning. 

This is where strong local partnerships make the difference. As Ana Polonio, Project Manager at Ovation Portugal DMC, highlights, flexibility and responsiveness help teams adapt to changes while keeping resources aligned with the client’s standards. Trusted suppliers do more than deliver individual services; they help turn sustainable ambitions into practical, resilient event delivery. 

Authenticity Needs Local Insight to Deliver 

Planners increasingly want fresh, distinctive destinations rooted in local culture, and they need the confidence that every programme can deliver at the highest standard. 

The 2025 Incentive Travel Index, produced by the Incentive Research Foundation and SITE with Oxford Economics, reflects this shift: nearly 70% of buyers seek new destinations, and 63% are already booked into new destinations for 2026 or 2027. At the same time, buyers continue to prioritise direct air access, top-tier accommodation, and a trusted DMC, showing that novelty works best when local expertise supports confident delivery. 

Portugal meets this demand due to its practical access, reliable infrastructure and a broad range of settings within a relatively compact destination. Lisbon and Porto provide established hotels and event services, while coastal areas, wine regions and countryside locations give planners different ways to reflect the destination without relying on standardised programme formats. 

Venue Choice Now Communicates Programme Values 

Venue selection now carries more strategic weight. As Ana Polonio reflects, planners still need to balance practical fundamentals such as location, accessibility, capacity and budget, but they also need venues that support safe delivery, responsible choices and the overall purpose of the programme. 

Local expertise helps planners assess what each venue can contribute beyond its setting. In Portugal, that means weighing modern venues, historic properties, cultural landmarks, wine estates or waterfront spaces against the brief, sustainability expectations and operational requirements, so the final choice feels relevant, credible and fit for purpose. 

Market Signals Are Raising the Value of Local Insight 

Ovation Portugal DMC is seeing shorter lead times, greater price sensitivity and growing interest in alternative destinations such as Porto. These trends make local insight more valuable, as planners need to understand where investment will have the strongest impact and which locations can support international groups with confidence. 

This reinforces the role of strong local partnerships. Responsive suppliers, clear market knowledge, and experienced destination teams help planners balance novelty, authenticity, and operational quality without adding unnecessary risk. 

A New Measure of Destination Readiness 

Planners now need to assess destinations through a more practical lens. 

Instead of asking only whether a destination can accommodate the group, they need to consider multiple questions. 

• Can the local supply chain support our sustainability objectives? 

• Will the programme create a meaningful connection to the destination? 

• Does the venue reflect our values as well as meeting our practical needs? 

• Do we have a destination partner capable of translating these ambitions into delivery? 

These questions shift the measure of destination readiness from infrastructure alone to the strength of the local ecosystem behind the programme. 

Portugal has the access, service standards and destination appeal planners expect, but local people and partnerships determine how those strengths translate into responsible, credible delivery. 

As planner expectations evolve, trusted local partnerships will remain essential to creating programmes that feel relevant, responsible and operationally sound. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why are local partnerships important for successful event delivery? 

Local partnerships provide access to trusted suppliers, destination expertise, and operational support that can help organisers respond quickly to changing requirements. They also play a key role in delivering authentic experiences and supporting sustainability objectives. 

How do local suppliers contribute to sustainability? 

Working with local suppliers can reduce logistical complexity, support local economies, and create more efficient event operations. Strong supplier networks also help organisers adapt to programme changes while minimising unnecessary waste and resource consumption. 

Why is authenticity becoming more important in events? 

Attendees increasingly seek meaningful connections with the destinations they visit. Experiences that showcase local culture, gastronomy, history, and communities often create stronger engagement and more memorable outcomes than standardised event formats. 

What should organisers consider when selecting a venue? 

Beyond capacity and logistics, venue selection now often includes sustainability credentials, accessibility, health and safety standards, and the venue’s ability to contribute to the overall attendee experience and destination story. 

Planning a meeting or incentive programme in Portugal? Contact the Ovation Portugal DMC team to discuss your next event.