Ericeira, October 2026 – Between 20 and 24 October, Ericeira will host the Annual Meeting of the World Surf Cities Network (WSCN), in a year of particular significance for the international network, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary and has Ericeira as the organisation’s chair.
The meeting brings together representatives from surf cities and destinations across various countries, promoting the sharing of experiences, the creation of new opportunities for cooperation and reflection on the role of surfing as a driver of economic, social and environmental development in coastal areas.

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Reception for delegations and opening of the commemorative exhibition

The programme begins on 20 October with the reception and welcome of the international delegations travelling to Ericeira to take part in this event.

At 6.30 pm, the opening of the Commemorative Exhibition marking the 15th Anniversary of the World Surf Cities Network will take place on Rua Dr. Eduardo Burnay, in Ericeira. The public exhibition will bring together images from the network’s member cities, celebrating the diversity of these regions, the identity of their communities and their shared connection to surfing, in an initiative that marks the history of international cooperation developed by the organisation since its foundation in 2011.

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WSCN Annual General Meeting brings together member cities

On 21 October at 9.30 am, the Hotel Vila Galé Ericeira will host the Annual General Meeting of the World Surf Cities Network, one of the key institutional events of the gathering.

The meeting will bring together representatives from member cities to review the results achieved, share experiences, set priorities and approve the action plan for the coming period, reinforcing their joint commitment to international cooperation and to promoting surfing as a tool for the sustainable development of their regions.

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International conference discusses the value of surfing for local areas

One of the programme’s highlights will be the World Surf Cities Network International Conference – ‘Where Waves Create Value: Surfing, Innovation and Sustainable Local Development’, which will take place on 22 October at 9.30 am in the Atlântico Room at Santa Marta Park in Ericeira.

Five panel discussions will explore the major challenges and opportunities facing coastal destinations, bringing together local authorities, international organisations and representatives from the tourism and surfing sectors to examine new perspectives on the surfing economy, the enhancement of tourist destinations, regional development, the connection between communities and the ocean, sustainability and international cooperation.

The conference will feature participants from Portugal, France, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico and Costa Rica, providing a forum for international dialogue to share best practice and identify solutions that will enable the potential of surfing to be transformed into economic, social and environmental value.

A programme that celebrates the past and looks to the future

On 23 October, Ribeira d’Ilhas will host a number of key events, including the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the 15th anniversary of the World Surf Cities Network, the opening of the OLAS PRO TOUR and the certification ceremony for Cabo Blanco as the first carbon-neutral surf destination.

The day will culminate with the awards ceremony and the handover of the presidency of the World Surf Cities Network, marking the end of a cycle and the continuation of joint work amongst the destinations that make up the network.

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Ericeira strengthens its international standing

Hosting this event strengthens Ericeira’s international standing as a World Surfing Reserve and highlights the Municipality of Mafra’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, protecting natural and cultural heritage, and supporting local communities.

By assuming the presidency of the World Surf Cities Network in 2026, Ericeira is helping to strengthen an international network that recognises surfing as much more than just a sport: an element of territorial identity, an opportunity for economic development and a tool for raising awareness about ocean conservation.

The celebration of the WSCN’s 15th anniversary thus provides an opportunity to consolidate partnerships, share knowledge and explore new forms of cooperation between cities and regions that see the waves as a source of value, innovation and sustainable development.

 

About the World Surf Cities Network

The WSCN aims to boost the local economies of its member cities by promoting industry, tourism and employment through surfing. The network encourages the exchange of knowledge, the creation of partnerships and the development of joint projects between surfing cities.

Founded in November 2011 in Donostia-San Sebastián, it currently operates under a model of rotating presidency and vice-presidency amongst member cities, ensuring a more participatory, balanced and representative form of governance.

The cities hold an annual General Assembly, at which the results for the year are presented and the activity plan for the following period is approved.