The Portuguese city of Ovar is hosting the 19th ART&TUR International Tourism Film Festival from 27 to 30 October 2026. The programme features 51 films selected from 247 submissions representing 45 countries, bringing together filmmakers, tourism professionals and researchers.

Organised by the Centro de Portugal Film Commission in partnership with Turismo Centro de Portugal and Ovar Municipality, the festival is centred at the Escola de Artes e Ofícios de Ovar. It explores how audiovisual storytelling can communicate destination identities, promote cultural heritage and support tourism development.

The four-day programme combines eight film-screening sessions with discussions, masterclasses, workshops and presentations examining the production of tourism films. Highlights include insights into the creative process behind Inspira Portugal and opportunities for dialogue between filmmakers and destination organisations.

Academic contributions include a roundtable examining the appeal of exotic destinations and unfamiliar places, featuring V. G. Girish, Yanki Hartijasti and Mona Erfanian, moderated by Francisco Dias. The screening programme also includes Türkiye’s “So Turkish, Go Turkish.”

The ART&FACTORY and ART&StoryTelling competitions showcase films created around Ovar, connecting international production teams and emerging audiovisual talent with the host destination. Festival admission is free, with advance registration required.

The final day includes visits exploring Ovar’s tile heritage, local gastronomy and natural attractions. The ART&TUR awards ceremony is scheduled for 30 October at the Centro de Arte de Ovar.

Further information and the full programme are available on the official festival website