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Welcome to the 34th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research

 

When: 6-8 October 2026

Where: Reykjavík, Iceland

Key dates: Details regarding submission deadlines and registration will be announced at a later stage.

 

Conference Theme

Tourism in a Changing World: An Active Agent for Good?

Tourism is a multifaceted phenomenon which increasingly shapes our communities and environments. Yet it operates in a world in constant flux which calls for actions and sound understanding of the tourism landscape and its role in a changing world. As the world grapples with climate change, geopolitical shifts, digital disruption, and growing demands for social justice, tourism must evolve responsibly.

The 34^th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research invites researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from various disciplines and backgrounds, as well as community voices to explore how tourism can serve as a driver of positive transformation. How can the field contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and regenerative future? We welcome critical perspectives, innovative practices, and grounded solutions that engage with tourism’s responsibilities in an era of profound global change.

Topics include but are not limited to:

• How can tourism mitigate climate change rather than contribute to it?
• Can tourism support geopolitical stability, or is it inherently vulnerable?
• How can wellbeing for staff, tourists, residents, and nature be measured, managed and integrated into tourism policy and development?
• What role can AI play in making tourism more inclusive?
• How can destinations be developed in ways that benefit all stakeholders equitably without compromising the environment?
• How can diversity, equity and inclusion be embedded into tourism development?
• What makes a tourism experience regenerative for communities, environment and visitors?
• What opportunities and challenges arise when considering tourism degrowth?

Alongside traditional paper presentations, we encourage innovative and creative contributions designed to provoke thought and inspire dialogue. If you have ideas for formats beyond the traditional paper presentation, such as outdoor sessions, workshops, or other creative setups, please get in touch with the conference organisers.

Join us in reimagining tourism as an active agent for good.

 

Keynotes

 

 Henna Konu

Henna Konu is Associate Professor in tourism business at the University of Eastern Finland, Business School. Her research background combines tourism management, consumer behaviour, and experience design with a special interest in nature-based and wellbeing tourism. Her work addresses core topics such as transformative tourism experiences, designing experiential services, sustainable business models, and the role of tourism sector in maintaining its operational environment.

Her current research explores nature connection as a driver of wellbeing, the role of tourism firms in safeguarding ecosystem services and biodiversity, and future directions for tourism and wellbeing. She is actively involved in international and national tourism research and development projects such as Regenerative Nature Tourism (REGGAE), which aims to develop tourism products that foster regenerative tourism and promote a regenerative mindset among entrepreneurs and customers, and Visitor monitoring and management in protected and recreational areas: new challenges, novel solutions for the Anthropocene (VIMAS), where she leads a work package focusing on the economic and social benefits of improved visitor monitoring and management.

 

Arnar Már Ólafsson

Arnar Már Ólafsson has served as Director General of the Icelandic Tourist Board (Ferðamálastofa) since 1 March 2023. He brings extensive experience from across the Icelandic tourism sector, having held a range of senior positions in marketing, business operations, and product development. Prior to his appointment, he served as Head of Marketing at Icelandia and earlier held key roles with Icelandic Mountain Guides and Iceland Rovers. His professional background also includes many years of field experience as a hiking and glacier guide, providing him with deep insight into Iceland’s nature-based tourism offerings.

In addition to his industry experience, Arnar Már has a distinguished academic profile. He holds a DESS degree in International Marketing and Tourism Studies from Université de Savoie. He has served as Assistant Professor and Director of Tourism Studies at the University of Akureyri, lectured in tourism studies at the University of Iceland, and was the inaugural Director of the Icelandic Tourism Research Centre during its formative years.

In his current capacity as Director General, Arnar Már’s priorities include advancing sustainable tourism development, strengthening research and analytical capacities within the sector, and ensuring that tourism growth remains consistent with Iceland’s environmental, cultural, and social carrying capacities.