ITSA 20th Anniversary · Returning to Beijing
The 11th ITSA Biennial Conference
Connected by Byte, Encountered by Site
AI-Driven Transformation, Place-Based Experience, and the Future of Tourism
October 31 – November 3, 2026
Peking University, Beijing, China
About the Conference
The International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) is pleased to announce its 11th Biennial Conference, to be held at Peking University, Beijing, China, from October 31 to November 3, 2026.
Founded in 2006 in Beijing, ITSA returns to its birthplace to celebrate its 20th anniversary. This landmark event brings together international scholars, journal editors, planners, policymakers, and industry practitioners from across the globe.
The conference features plenary keynote speeches by leading international scholars and journal editors, a Journal Editors Forum with editors of major SSCI and CSSCI journals, 12 parallel track paper sessions across three thematic matrices, an Industry Roundtable, and a poster exhibition.
Distinguished keynote speakers and journal editors will be announced in the Second Circular.
Conference Theme
Connected by Byte, Encountered by Site
AI-Driven Transformation, Place-Based Experience, and the Future of Tourism
As artificial intelligence, big data, digital platforms, and immersive technologies reshape tourism globally, a fundamental tension emerges: digital technologies continuously enhance our capacity to connect, predict, and personalize — yet the ultimate value of tourism is realized through embodied presence in real spaces, authentic cultural encounters, and meaningful human interaction.
The conference invites interdisciplinary contributions that explore how AI and intelligent systems can empower rather than replace the lived experience of place. We seek rigorous scholarship and innovative practice at the intersection of digital transformation, spatial governance, heritage conservation, and sustainable tourism development.
Programme at a Glance
| Date | Programme |
|---|---|
| Day 0 Oct 31 (Sat) |
Registration & Welcome Reception |
| Day 1 Nov 1 (Sun) |
Morning: Opening Ceremony & Plenary Keynote Speeches Afternoon: 12 Parallel Track Paper Sessions (2 rounds) & Poster Exhibition Evening: Welcome Dinner |
| Day 2 Nov 2 (Mon) |
Morning: Journal Editors Forum & Invited Keynote Speeches Afternoon: 12 Parallel Track Paper Sessions · Industry Roundtable · Closing Ceremony & Awards Evening: Farewell Dinner |
| Day 3 Nov 3 (Tue) |
Optional Post-Conference Field Trip (Beijing cultural heritage sites) |
A detailed programme with session assignments will be published in October 2026.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission Deadline (Abstracts, Extended Abstracts & Pitches) | June 15, 2026 |
| Notification of Acceptance | July 15, 2026 |
| Registration Opens | July 15, 2026 |
| Full Paper Submission | September 1, 2026 |
| Early Bird Registration Closes | September 15, 2026 |
| Final Programme Published | October 15, 2026 |
| Registration & Welcome Reception | October 31, 2026 |
| Conference | November 1–2, 2026 |
| Post-Conference Field Trip | November 3, 2026 |
Call for Papers
The ITSA 2026 Biennial Conference invites submissions in three categories:
| Type | Description | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Type A | Full Research Paper | Abstract: 300–500 words Full paper: 6,000–8,000 words |
| Type B | Extended Abstract / Case Study (Poster) | 1,000–1,500 words |
| Type C | Alastair Morrison Memorial Young Scholar Award | Max 2 pages (A4) |
Submit via EasyChair: easychair.org/conferences/?conf=itsa2026
Conference Tracks
12 tracks across three thematic matrices:
Matrix I — Bytes: Digital Technologies & Tourism Systems
| Track 1 | Generative AI and Intelligent Tourism Systems |
| Track 2 | Platform Economies, Data Governance and Digital Markets |
| Track 3 | Tourism Mobilities and Spatio-temporal Analytics |
Matrix II — Scenes: Spatial Planning & Scene Governance
| Track 4 | Territorial Spatial Planning and Tourism Futures |
| Track 5 | Emerging Tourism Scenes and Experience Landscapes |
| Track 6 | Heritage Placemaking and Digital Heritage Interpretation |
| Track 7 | Ecological Resilience and Digital Conservation |
Matrix III — Encounters: Experience Innovation & Human Futures
| Track 8 | XR, Metaverse and Immersive Tourism Experiences |
| Track 9 | Creative Tourism and Cultural Innovation |
| Track 10 | Embodiment, Human Encounter and AI Ethics |
| Track 11 | Sports Tourism, Digital Leisure and Wellness |
| Track 12 | Cross-cultural Encounters and Indigenous Tourism |
Publication Opportunities
All accepted papers will be included in the ITSA 2026 Conference Proceedings . Outstanding papers will be recommended to partner journals:
All journal publications are subject to the respective journal’s independent peer-review process.
Registration
| Category | Early Bird (by Sep 15) |
Regular (after Sep 15) |
|---|---|---|
| Delegate | CNY 1,800 / USD 280 | CNY 2,200 / USD 340 |
| ITSA Member | CNY 1,500 / USD 230 | CNY 1,800 / USD 280 |
| Full-time Student* | CNY 800 / USD 120 | CNY 1,000 / USD 150 |
| Accompanying Person | CNY 600 / USD 90 | CNY 800 / USD 120 |
Registration includes all sessions, materials, lunches, tea breaks, welcome dinner, and farewell dinner. Accommodation and travel not included.
* Proof of full-time enrollment required.
Registration will open on July 15, 2026. Payment details will be provided in the Second Circular.
Venue & Travel
The conference will be held at Peking University, Beijing, China. Detailed venue information will be announced in the Second Circular.
Getting there:
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): the main international gateway
- Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): serves both domestic and international flights
- Beijing is well served by high-speed rail from all major Chinese cities
Accommodation: Conference hotel information and preferential rates will be provided in the Second Circular.
Visa: International participants requiring a visa to enter China are encouraged to begin the application process early. An official invitation letter will be issued upon registration. Please contact the Secretariat if you require visa support.
Post-Conference Field Trip (November 3)
- Route A — Central Axis Heritage: Beijing Central Axis World Heritage Tour (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Drum Tower & Bell Tower, Yongdingmen)
- Route B — Digital Innovation: 798 Art District, Zhongguancun Science City
- Route C — Great Wall: Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tombs
Separate registration required. Limited to 60 participants per route.
About ITSA
The International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) was founded in 2006 in Beijing, China. Registered in London, UK, ITSA is dedicated to promoting scholarly exchange and bridging the gaps between Eastern and Western tourism research. The Association holds biennial conferences rotating across Asia, Africa, and Europe, and publishes the International Journal of Tourism Cities (SSCI) in partnership with Emerald Publishing.
For more information: intltourismstudies.org
Contact
ITSA 2026 Conference Secretariat
Peking University, Beijing, China
Email: itsa2026pku@gmail.com
Website: intltourismstudies.org/itsa2026
Submissions: EasyChair — ITSA 2026
International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) · Founded 2006 in Beijing
We look forward to welcoming you to Beijing.