TTRA Europe 2026 at Turistica Brings Together Researchers, Industry Experts, and Tourism Policymakers
More than 100 experts from 17 countries discussed the future of tourism
Portorož, 15 May 2026 – The international scientific conference 2026 TTRA Europe Annual Chapter Conference successfully concluded today at the Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica, University of Primorska.
Held in Portorož between 13 and 15 May, the conference brought together more than 100 researchers, tourism industry representatives, tourism policymakers, and doctoral students from 17 countries. Under the theme “Shaping the European Tourism Economy Through Research and Evidence”, the conference featured 56 scientific papers, as well as several expert panels and discussions addressing the key challenges of contemporary tourism — from sustainable destination management, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence to the regulation of tourism flows, destination resilience, and the role of data in decision-making.
Particular attention was drawn by keynote lectures delivered by internationally renowned experts, including Prof. Dr. Sara Dolničar (University of Queensland), Prof. Dr. Anne Hardy (Southern Cross University), and Prof. Dr. Xavier Font (University of Surrey), all of whom are recognised among the leading researchers in the field of contemporary tourism.
The conference also hosted expert discussions on the future of tourism, the impact of data on destination management, innovations in the experience economy, and the role of science in shaping effective tourism policies. An important part of the programme was the Doctoral Day, organised in the spirit of the European Doctoral Candidates Day and dedicated to networking and supporting the development of young tourism researchers.
The conference successfully connected the research community, the tourism industry, and tourism policymakers, creating an important platform for reflection on the future of tourism. Through the successful organisation of the event, UP FTŠ Turistica further strengthened its international visibility as an important academic centre for the development of knowledge, research, and international cooperation in the field of tourism.
