Tourism research reaches a milestone with the 75th AIEST Conference of Ideas 2026 in St. Gallen. The gathering frames debates on tourism definitions and methodological approaches between 23 and 26 August 2026.
What the 75th AIEST Conference of Ideas 2026 sets out
AIEST, founded in 1951, stages its 75th conference in Switzerland with a clear emphasis on revisiting foundational concepts. The public program highlights a stream titled “Tourism definition(s) revisited” and lists an AIEST Research Exchange scheduled for Sunday 23 August. Organizers publish a conference programme and an abstract book that attendees can consult before arrival.
Practical dates and location
The conference runs from 23 to 26 August 2026 in St. Gallen. Contact and administrative details for AIEST are associated with the local office at Dufourstrasse 40a, CH-9000 St. Gallen. Use the official web pages to access registration and documentation.
Program focus and documentation
The programme centers on academic discussion rather than commercial exhibition. The stream on tourism definitions signals sessions likely to engage historians, methodologists and scholars testing conceptual boundaries. The abstract book and programme are the primary tools to shortlist papers and identify session chairs and keynote contributors.
Prospecting and networking for academic and institutional goals
Prospecting at AIEST requires a research-oriented approach. Study the abstract book to map authors whose agendas align with yours and request short meetings with research group leaders, journal editors and destination managers listed in the programme. Prepare a one-page research brief with objectives, key outputs and possible collaboration models. Block time for the AIEST Research Exchange on 23 August to encounter early presentations and institutional contacts.
Key figures for context
AIEST was founded in 1951 and the 2026 meeting marks the association’s 75th conference. These points reflect the event’s long-standing role within the academic tourism community.
Closing note and official link
For researchers, policy officers and destination managers focused on conceptual and methodological work in tourism, arriving with a clear shortlist of papers and a compact collaboration pitch increases efficiency. Plan sessions and bookings using the official conference pages at https://www.aiest.org/aiest-conference/2026-stgallen-switzerland to access the programme and the abstract book prior to travel.
