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Shaping Sustainable Tourism is an international Summer Program developed in collaboration with Phuket Rajabhat University (Thailand). It is an intensive two-week experience that brings together entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and sustainable tourism across two very different cultural and geographical ecosystems.
The first week takes place at the H-FARM Campus near Venice, where international students work in teams on entrepreneurial ideas related to the future of tourism. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and startup acceleration methodologies, participants develop a concrete project while gaining a clear understanding of the main global trends shaping the industry, from digital transformation to smart tourism.
The second week moves to Phuket, Thailand, where the focus broadens through direct immersion in place-based sustainability. Activities inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, community-based tourism projects, cultural visits, and eco-tourism experiences allow students to observe and understand how innovation, culture, and local communities can coexist responsibly.
During the first week at H-FARM, participants develop a startup idea focused on sustainable tourism, working on validation, business modeling, and the final pitch.
In Thailand, learning is driven by hands-on experience: local communities, sustainable projects, cultural traditions, and eco-tourism become an integral part of the learning journey.
Italy and Southeast Asia in a single program, featuring multicultural teams, international faculty, and continuous exchange between different tourism development models.
The program provides both theoretical and practical skills to understand and rethink tourism through a sustainable, digital, and entrepreneurial lens.
The program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students aged 19 to 24 who are interested in tourism, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. It is ideal for those eager to work in international environments, curious, open to cultural exchange, and motivated by hands-on, immersive experiences. No prior background in tourism or startups is required.
At H-FARM College, innovation and entrepreneurship are not just subjects to study—they are an integral part of our ecosystem.
The faculty combines academic expertise, hands-on experience, and a strong focus on experiential learning, making the program accessible, engaging, and practical—even for those approaching these topics for the first time.
Want to learn more about the program or speak with our team?
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SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR
Timothy O’Connell is a true pioneer of the European startup scene, having made a significant contribution as a serial entrepreneur, investor, business leader, and educator. Over the past ten years, he has managed more than 20 international acceleration programs across a wide range of sectors, including food, fashion, IoT, blockchain, wellness, and EdTech.
These programs have invested in hundreds of early-stage startups, including one of Italy’s first “unicorns”.
The H-FARM Campus is much more than a physical space: it is a true ecosystem designed to inspire students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone eager to engage with the future. Located just steps from the Venice lagoon, it is an open environment where education, technology, and creativity come together every day.
During the Shaping Sustainable Tourism program, you will live and learn in a setting designed to stimulate innovative and entrepreneurial thinking. The Campus features education buildings, event halls, a conference center, a library, and collaborative spaces where you can work in teams, connect with mentors, and develop your business idea.
During breaks, you can relax or stay active across more than 5,000 sqm of outdoor green areas and 1,600 sqm of indoor spaces, with sports activities ranging from padel to rugby, skateboard to beach volleyball. A young, active, and international community will accompany you throughout the bootcamp.
H-FARM Campus is also a model of sustainability: 85% energy self-sufficient, promoting green mobility through electric vehicles, bike sharing, and charging stations. Innovation and environmental awareness coexist in a place built for the future.
During the week in Italy, you will stay at Marina.
Located in the magical Venice lagoon, Marina is a true oasis just minutes from the H-FARM Campus (2 km). Two recently renovated barchesse—once the main dock connecting Portegrandi and Venice—now house fully equipped apartments.
Here, students can experience university life in a dynamic and inspiring environment, where it’s possible to share not only study time but also personal passions.
Welcome dinner and ice-breaking activities
Foundations of Entrepreneurship and Tourism Challenges
Morning: Introduction to the H-FARM ecosystem and entrepreneurship
Activity: Formation of international teams and challenge launch
Afternoon: Ideation workshop using design thinking
Business Modeling and Market Positioning
Morning: Lean Canvas applied to tourism
Activity: Value Proposition Design
Afternoon: Market and competitor analysis
Trend globali del turismo e pitching
Mattina: le grandi tendenze del turismo globale
Pomeriggio: case study con partner dell’ecosistema H-FARM
Pitching masterclass e public speaking
Smart Cities and Sustainable Destinations
Morning: Smart tourism and digital tools for sustainability
Afternoon: Application to team projects and solution refinement
Final Review and Pitch Competition
Morning: Pitch clinic and rehearsals
Afternoon: Final pitch in front of a panel of experts
Cultural Immersion
A day in Venice with a guided tour, museum visit, and free time
Departure for Phuket
Welcome and Cultural Orientation
Opening ceremony at PKRU
Thai cultural show and campus tour
Lecture on sustainable and community tourism in Phuket Old Town
Thai Culture, Language, and SDGs
Morning: Basics of Thai language and cultural literacy
Afternoon: SDG 12 workshop, sustainable souvenirs, and Batik lab
Local Entrepreneurship and Cultural Heritage
Morning: Visit to local entrepreneurs and SMEs
Afternoon: Phuket Mining Museum and exploration of historical heritage
Gastronomy and Culinary Culture
Morning: Food tourism and local culinary identity
Afternoon: Thai cooking class and food tourism project development
Friday – Project Development and Final Pitch
A full day dedicated to refinement, prototyping, and final presentations
Feedback from the evaluators
Eco and Sustainable Tourism Field Trip
Visit to sustainable community tourism projects in Phang-Nga Province
Reflection and Closing
Final sharing and reflection session
Closing ceremony and certificate presentation
Departure to Italy
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