Tourism, Nature and Culture: Fresh approaches at the NEST Conference in Corfu
The conference’s programme includes a sea excursion to Erimitis, one of the least altered natural areas in northeastern Corfu, featuring wetlands, forested areas, and secluded coves.
CORFU. Corfu is hosting the international NEST conference on Thursday and Friday, April 23–24, bringing together leading scientists and stakeholders to focus on sustainable and resilient tourism, with an emphasis on the Mediterranean and the challenges of climate change.
Attention from the international scientific and tourism community will turn to the Ionian Academy today and tomorrow, April 23–24, where the conference “Towards Resilient Destinations: Integrating Nature, Culture and Tourism for Sustainable Futures – NEST” will take place in a hybrid format.
The conference aims to highlight how tourism destinations can become more resilient in the face of increasing environmental, social, and economic pressures. With a focus on the Mediterranean but a clearly international outlook, it brings together academics, policymakers, and tourism professionals to explore sustainable solutions for the future of the sector.
Discussions will centre on three main pillars: the protection of the natural environment and resilience to climate change; the promotion of cultural heritage and creative economies; and innovative practices that redefine the tourism model. Through its proceedings, the organisers seek to strengthen collaboration and produce actionable policy proposals.
Particular interest also surrounds the conference’s parallel programme, which includes a sea excursion to Erimitis, one of the least altered natural areas in northeastern Corfu, featuring wetlands, forested areas, and secluded coves. The initiative aims to demonstrate in practice the importance of preserving ecosystems as a foundation for sustainable tourism development (notably a controversial choice, given its intended “development” into yet another hotel).
The conference features a number of distinguished international figures, including Achim Steiner, Ian Goldin, Dimitris Vayanos, UK Ambassador Matthew Lodge, Jenny Uglow, Lee Durrell, Drummond Bone, and Michael Heinrich.
The programme includes keynote speeches as well as presentations by emerging researchers, providing a platform for innovative approaches and fresh ideas. At the same time, for those unable to attend in Corfu, the conference will be streamed live online, reinforcing its open and international character.
NEST seeks to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange at a time when tourism is being called upon to redefine its relationship with the environment, culture, and local communities.
GIORGOS KATSAITIS
