124 November 2026
Writing Retreat
Mediterranean Tourism Research Writing Retreat — a focused day for scholars to develop publishable work.
View Writing Retreat →
In collaboration with Tourism Review · Q1 Journal
The Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference
Tuesday 24th – Friday 27th November 2026 · Hilton Malta. Researchers, policymakers and industry leaders advancing sustainable and regenerative tourism across the Mediterranean.
- 4
- Days
- 2,500+
- DELEGATES
- 32
- Countries
- Q1
- Tourism Review
ABOUT THE FORUM
Mediterranean Tourism Forum 2026
The yellow-highlighted sections of the Forum Calendar indicate the Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference, held as part of the larger Mediterranean Tourism Forum. The 2026 Conference also features the Writing Retreat, Mediterranean Tourism Future Talent Competition, Hackathon, and associated academic sessions.
| Category | Tuesday 24 | Wednesday 25 | Thursday 26 | Friday 27 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry | — | Competition – Forbes | Competition – Forbes.com | Mediterranean Tourism Plenary / Masterclasses |
| Academics | Writing retreat / Editors panel | Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference (MTC) keynote papers | Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference (MTC) competition / Industry panel / Hackathon | Mediterranean Tourism Plenary / Masterclasses |
| Students | Talent Competition & Hackathon | Talent Competition & Hackathon | Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference (MTC) / Hackathon / Career seminar | Mediterranean Tourism Plenary / Masterclasses |
| Events | — | Awards in Palace / Networking reception | Concert | Mediterranean Tourism Plenary / Masterclasses |
| Exhibition / Display | — | — | Photography / Art | — |
Swipe horizontally to view the full calendar.
About the Conference
A Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference for Evidence-Based Tourism Policy
The Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference brings together researchers and policymakers to exchange news, views and research findings. In 2026 we introduce a Mediterranean Tourism Research Writing Retreat 2026 and a Mediterranean Tourism Future Talent Competition and Hackathon 2026.
The conference empowers Mediterranean regional and economic development, policy and planning through evidence-based practice. It supports tourism and hospitality organisations and destinations to develop their competitiveness and become more sustainable, attractive and competitive.
Regenerative tourism should actively regenerate, revitalize and positively impact both the environment and local communities — creating mutually beneficial relationships between tourists, communities and the environment.
The conference is part of the Mediterranean Tourism Forum 2026, organised by the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation. Last year's forum welcomed over 2,500 delegates from 32 countries. All retreat and conference participants are invited to join the Forum on 27 November 2026.
- Researchers & policymakers
- Evidence-based practice
- Sustainable & regenerative tourism
- Mediterranean regional development
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Malta offers a rich setting where history, art, culture and Mediterranean identity converge.
Programme · 24–27 November 2026
Four days, one Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference
225–26 November 2026
Knowledge Exchange & Policy Conference
Mediterranean Tourism Conference 2026 — two days of research presentations, BRAIN Think Tanks and policy dialogue.
YOU ARE HERE326 November 2026
Mediterranean Tourism Future Talent Competition and Hackathon 2026
Mediterranean Tourism Future Talent Competition and Hackathon 2026 for emerging researchers.
View Competition 2026 →427 November 2026
Mediterranean Tourism Plenary
Those registered for the Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference are encouraged to attend the Friday Plenary, which brings together all participants and top speakers of the Forum for a shared closing programme.
Website coming soon
Important Dates
Plan for your Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference Paper Submission and Travel
- 1
Abstract Submission Deadline
30 September 2026
- 2
Decision Notification (latest)
1 October 2026
- 3
Early Bird Registration Deadline
30 October 2026
Submissions to medtourismconf@gmail.com
Leadership
Chair & Co-Chairs
Academic Network
Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference Organising Committee
Keynote Speakers & Workshop Convenors · 2026
An international assembly of leading scholars
Featured keynotes joined by leading scholars and workshop convenors from across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Professor of Economics at Bournemouth University Business School, UK.
Assistant Professor at the Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal.
Strategic Management and Marketing expert, Bournemouth University, UK.
Associate Professor, University of Gastronomic Sciences (Pollenzo) and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy.
Full Professor and Head of DEGEIT at the University of Aveiro, Portugal.
Associate Professor and Dean, University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica, Slovenia.
Professor of Tourism Employment at Bournemouth University and Deputy Director of the International Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Research (ICTHR), UK.
Associate Professor at the University of West Attica in Athens, Greece.
Associate Dean (Research) and Chair Professor, Mr and Mrs Chan Chak Fu Professor in International Tourism, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
President of the International Forum of Travel and Tourism Advocates.
Senior Associate Professor at the University of the Azores, Portugal.
Senior Associate Professor at the University of Azores; invited professor at NOVA IMS.
Professor of Tourism Development at the Harokopio University of Athens, Greece.
Professor of Marketing & Associate Head (Research and Innovation), University of Portsmouth.
Invited Talks
Featured Lectures
- ◆Haiyan Song — Med Tourism Forecasting in Uncertain Times
- ◆Dimitrios Buhalis — Med Tourism Destination Management in the AI Era
- ◆Giampaolo Viglia — AI, Pricing and Trust: The Future Competitiveness of Mediterranean Tourism
- ◆Maria Teresa Borges Tiago — Innovation Ecosystems for Med Tourism Competitiveness
- ◆Efi Sarantakou — Planning Tourism Destinations: Why Spatial Planning Matters?
- ◆Filipa Brandao — Regenerative Practices in Med Tourism
- ◆Adele Ladkin — Motivating the Med Tourism Human Resources of the Future
Workshop Convenors
Master Classes & Workshops
- ◆Adam Blake & Dimitrios Buhalis — Smart Tourism Economics
- ◆Paolo Corvo — Sociology and Gastronomy in Med Tourism
- ◆Paris Tsartas — Sustainability: governance, development, stakeholders
- ◆Carlos Costa — Observatories, Synergies and Networks for Med Tourism
- ◆Adele Ladkin — Climate Change and Employment Transformation
- ◆Flavio Tiago — Smart Islands and Intelligent Destinations
- ◆Tanti Dougall — Med Tourism Legislation, Health and Safety
Call for Abstracts, Papers & Publications
Submit Extended Abstracts
Authors are invited to submit structured extended abstracts for the conference and, in parallel, to develop full articles for a thematic issue of Tourism Review.
Extended Abstracts
Mediterranean Tourism Conference 2026 invites conceptual and empirical research as well as regional, national and international case studies. Authors submit a structured extended abstract; all accepted abstracts are published in the conference book of proceedings (with ISBN) and presented at the conference, provided that authors register.
Extended abstracts should not exceed 1,000 words (excluding references) and must include: Title · Keywords · Introduction · Theoretical background · Methodology · Findings · Contributions and implications · Conclusion · References (up to fifteen).
Submissions must be written in British English, free of grammatical and spelling errors, using the official template.
Full Papers
Full papers should be submitted to Tourism Review via the journal submission system. Authors are invited to develop a 6,000–8,000 word article for Tourism Review, towards a thematic issue to be published in 2027. Conference and journal submissions can take place in parallel.
At least one author of any accepted paper must register and attend the conference. Failure to register removes the abstract from the conference programme and proceedings.
Tourism Review · Special Issue
Tourism Review is a Top-10, Q1 journal. The Clarivate Impact Factor is 9.1 in 2025.
Tourism Review publishes:
- Research papers (cutting-edge research articles)
- Systematic literature reviews (synthesis of research articles)
- Perspective papers (focusing on future perspectives)
- Research innovations (PhD research or innovative research methodologies)
Submission Guidelines & Key Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline
30 September 2026
Decision Notification (latest)
1 October 2026
Early Bird Registration Deadline
30 October 2026
Submission Email: medtourismconf@gmail.com
At least one of the authors of any accepted paper must register and attend the conference.
AI Policy
The author(s) must describe the content created or modified, as well as appropriately cite the name and version of the AI tool used. Any additional works drawn on by the AI tool should also be appropriately cited and referenced. Standard tools that are used to improve spelling and grammar are not included within the parameters of this guidance.
Research Themes
The Organising Committee welcomes papers on (but not limited to):
★ 4th Edition Award
Best Paper Award
Mediterranean Tourism Conference 2026 recognises quality contributions to academic research and writing. All accepted extended abstracts are eligible for the Best Paper Presentation Award.
Innovation
Fresh thinking that opens new research directions
Originality
Distinct contribution to the field
Scientific & Practical Impact
Relevance to scholarship and to practice
Methodological Excellence
Rigorous, well-designed research
Mediterranean Regional Impact
Tangible benefit for the Mediterranean region
Registration · 2026
Secure your place at Mediterranean Tourism Forum 2026
Each ticket grants access to the full programme.
International Student Ticket
€165early bird
After 30 October 2026 · €195
- Writing Retreat (24 Nov)
- Networking Event (25 Nov)
- Talent Competition & Hackathon (24 - 26 Nov)
- Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference (24–26 Nov)
- BRAIN Think Tanks (26 Nov)
- Mediterranean Tourism Awards & Concert (26 Nov)
- Mediterranean Tourism Plenary & Master Classes (27 Nov)
Registration opens soon — leave your email and we'll notify you the moment it's live.
International Delegate Ticket
€235early bird
After 30 October 2026 · €295
- Writing Retreat (24 Nov)
- Networking Event (25 Nov)
- Talent Competition & Hackathon (24 - 26 Nov)
- Mediterranean Tourism Research Conference (24–26 Nov)
- BRAIN Think Tanks (26 Nov)
- Mediterranean Tourism Awards & Concert (26 Nov)
- Mediterranean Tourism Plenary & Master Classes (27 Nov)
Registration opens soon — leave your email and we'll notify you the moment it's live.
Accommodation
Book Your Hotel with Us
Enjoy special conference rates at the Hilton, Malta and partner hotels. Reservation details for delegates will be published here shortly.
Coming Soon · Special Delegate Rates
The Destination
Malta · Where the Conference Comes to Life
An archipelago at the heart of the Mediterranean — layered with 7,000 years of history, sun-drenched harbours, baroque cities and a living tourism economy. Malta sets the stage for the conversations, encounters and ideas that shape this conference.
Heritage
Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a 30-minute drive.
Connectivity
Direct flights from over 100 European, North African and Middle Eastern cities.
Climate
Mild late-November temperatures averaging 20°C — ideal for fieldwork and exploration.
Organiser
The Mediterranean Tourism Foundation
The vision of MTF is inspired by the shared will of both public and private tourism sector stakeholders to revitalise efforts to transform the Mediterranean into an area of peace, cooperation and prosperity by investing in and promoting sustainable tourism growth across the region. The MTF Secretariat contributes to reinforcing co-ownership of new Mediterranean relations in areas related to tourism through concrete regional cooperation projects.
Contact
Have any questions?
We would love to keep you informed about the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation's events and newly-released content.