Conferences & Events
The GW International Institute of Tourism Studies serves as a global connector and thought leader, convening diverse stakeholders from across the tourism industry to address the sector's most pressing challenges and opportunities. Through our conferences and networking events, we create collaborative spaces for industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and community representatives to exchange ideas, share best practices, and develop innovative solutions that drive sustainable and inclusive tourism.
Are you interested in co-hosting an event with us? Please email Alix Collins, Center Administrator, at alix [dot] collins
gwu [dot] edu (alix[dot]collins[at]gwu[dot]edu).
EXPLORE OUR PAST EVENTS
Destination Stewardship & Resilience
- Resilience and Opportunities During Time of War: Reflections from Ukrainian Mayors (2024)
On September 24, The George Washington University School of Business MS THEM program and GW International Institute of Tourism Studies co-hosted an impactful panel discussion, Resilience, and Opportunities During Times of War: Reflections from Ukrainian Mayors, with Ukraine Mayors Club and Chemonics International.
Speakers included Mayor Oleksandr Syenkevych, Mayor Riznyk Mykola, Mayor Vasyl Andriieshyn, Vera Sabchenko, Mariana Oleskiv, and Marina Radova, who joined us both virtually and in person.
Each speaker shared insights on safeguarding cultural assets and navigating the challenges faced by the tourism sector during this ongoing conflict. They also highlighted the resilience of Ukraine's people and economy and the tourism industry’s vital role in recovery. We were incredibly honored to be part of the discussion.- Overtourism: Seeking Solutions, International Conference (2018)
In 2018, the GW International Institute of Tourism Studies partnered with the Center for Responsible Travel to host an international conference in Washington DC that brought together industry leaders seeking solutions to the complex issue of overtourism.
More than 150 tourism professionals representing a range of destinations—including World Heritage sites, coastal and beach communities, national and regional destinations, national parks and protected areas, and historic cities—discussed the challenges they faced in their destinations and the creative solutions that have been tried and tested.
The conference, which received widespread media coverage, provided a platform for tourism practitioners to share their knowledge and reflect on promising—and less promising—approaches to the global problem. Read more about this event on our blog.
Indigenous Tourism
- Indigenous-Led Tourism’s Potential as a Transformative, Decolonizing Force (2024)
In celebration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, the Indigenous Tourism Collaborative of the Americas (ITCA) hosted a webinar on August 8, 2024: Indigenous Driven Tourism: Putting Colonization in the Rear View through Autonomy and Partnership.
The goal was to explore the question posed at a recent ITCA Quarterly Meeting by Javier Lefiman of the Mapuche Tourism Society of Chile: "How do we define Indigenous-driven tourism?"
Our panelists, Dr. Michael Yellow Bird (University of Manitoba), Nedra Darling (Bright Path Strong), Omayra Casama (Panama's Association of Ipetí Emberá Artisan Women), and Sebastien Desnoyers-Picard (Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada), shared powerful perspectives on decolonization, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming Indigenous voices, cultures, and narratives within tourism. They highlighted the potential of tourism to be a transformative force in promoting cultural pride, authentic experiences, and deep connections.
The ITCA is guided by a steering committee composed of the GW International Institute of Tourism Studies, the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office (BIA) of Indian Economic Development (OIED).
- Distinguished Indigenous Leaders Lecture Series (2023)
Hosted by the GW International Institute of Tourism Studies and held at the George Washington University School of Business— a leading institution in Indigenous economic development— the inaugural Distinguished Indigenous Leaders Lecture in December of 2023 celebrated the vibrant tapestry of Indigenous cultures, their profound connection to the land and a deepened commitment to Indigenous tourism.
Featured speaker, Edward Hall III, appointed as the Indigenous Economic Development and Tourism Executive in Residence at GW International Institute of Tourism Studies in 2022, set the tone with his insightful opening remarks. Distinguished panelists included K. Denise Litz, Chief of the Division of Economic Development at the Office of Indian Economic Development; Toby Bloom, National Program Manager for the U.S. Forest Service Travel, Tourism, and Interpretation unit; and Curt Cottle, Senior Policy Analyst with the International Trade Administration’s National Travel and Tourism Office. View the video here and read the report here.
- Indigenous Tourism Forum of the Americas (2020)
Before the spread of COVID-19, tourism provided a promising approach to sustainable development—a way for Indigenous communities to generate income, alleviate poverty, increase access to healthcare and education, and conserve their cultural and natural resources.
In 2020, the Indigenous Tourism Forum of the Americas brought together community, business and government leaders to discuss the development challenges that Indigenous people face and the role of tourism in driving sustainable economic development in a post-pandemic reality.
During the forum, discussions centered on how tourism can drive economic recovery in a post-COVID-19 world, particularly for rural and Indigenous communities. Participants explored the types of tourism experiences that would be both viable for communities and appealing to visitors, especially in response to the rising demand for nature-based and wellness tourism. Other key topics included fostering partnerships and accessing financing, safeguarding intellectual and cultural property, and the critical role of government support in providing financial resources, developing infrastructure, and adapting policies to support Indigenous tourism recovery.
Adventure Travel
- AdventureConnect: Recent Trends in Adventure Travel (2024)
On September 19, 2024, the GW International Institute of Tourism Studies and the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) co-hosted a networking event that brought together panelists and attendees from diverse sectors, including nonprofit organizations, government agencies, tour operators, and students, for an insightful discussion on current trends and challenges in the adventure travel industry.
Speakers included Dianne Wallace, J.D., SEP, VEMM (Monumental Travel and Events), Donald Leadbetter (National Park Service), and Karl Egloff (WWF Travel). The discussion was moderated by Chun Wright (Law Office of Chun Wright and ATTA Board Member).
We explored several key trends shaping the landscape of adventure travel today, including the expanding definition of adventure travel and the changing demographics of adventure travelers, who are trending older than pre-pandemic years, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the industry. We also discussed the rise of Indigenous tourism and its growing role in fostering meaningful engagement, particularly in national parks, and how adventure travel addresses climate change through sustainable practices.
- AdventureConnect: The Future of Adventure Travel Event (2019)
In 2019, the GW International Institute of Tourism Studies and the Adventure Travel and Trade Association co-hosted AdventureConnect, which brought together adventure travel industry leaders, educators, and students to discuss the future of sustainable tourism. Panelists and participants addressed several key issues during a lively discussion that drew an engaged crowd. Key takeaways from the event were: sustainability must be a shared responsibility, tour operators have a key role to play, tour operators and destinations can work together to educate travelers, travelers should make informed choices when flying, and spread the word on sustainability.