Tourism Research in Focus at an International Conference

Around 190 participants from 27 countries gathered in Reykjavík on 6–8 October for an international conference on tourism research. The Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research was held for the 34th time.

Under the theme Tourism in a Changing World: An Active Agent for Good?, discussions explored the role of tourism in a changing world, the challenges facing the industry and its potential to have a positive impact on communities.

Nordic countries take turns hosting the conference

The varied programme featured 165 presentations across 28 sessions, alongside two panel discussions and five workshops. Participants included tourism researchers and industry representatives, who shared research findings, exchanged experiences and discussed the future of the sector.

The conference opened with a reception at Perlan, where Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Minister of Industries, addressed the guests. The programme continued over the following two days at Hotel Reykjavík Askja. The keynote speakers were Arnar Már Ólafsson, Director General of the Icelandic Tourist Board, and Henna Konu, Professor at the University of Eastern Finland.

A two-day course for doctoral students was also held in connection with the conference, organised by the Geography and Tourism Studies programme at the University of Iceland. The course gave students an opportunity to develop their research ideas, receive feedback and connect with other researchers in the field.

The conference is held annually, with the Nordic countries taking turns as hosts. It forms part of the work of NORTHORS, a Nordic association that promotes academic discussion and the dissemination of tourism research. The Icelandic Tourism Research Centre (ITRC) represents Iceland on the association’s board.

Organised by the Icelandic Tourism Research Centre

The Icelandic Tourism Research Centre organised this year’s conference and thanks all participants, speakers, partners, sponsors and everyone involved in the organisation for their contribution to its success.

The Icelandic Tourism Research Centre is a joint initiative of the University of Iceland, the University of Akureyri and Hólar University, and is hosted by the University of Akureyri. In addition to the three universities, the Icelandic Travel Industry Association and the Icelandic Tourist Board each appoint a representative to the Centre’s board.

The ITRC aims to strengthen tourism research, build links between academia and industry, and advance knowledge of tourism through national and international collaboration. The Centre focuses on improving understanding of tourism’s effects on the economy, society and the environment. Its activities include research collaboration, academic publications, information sharing and consultancy, as well as organising conferences and lectures.

Read more about the conference on the Icelandic Tourism Research Centre’s website.