Researchers, academics, tourism professionals, policymakers and community stakeholders are invited to participate in the Twelfth International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies, which will be held on 14–15 June 2027 at Federal Fluminense University in Niterói, Brazil, with both in-person and online participation options available through a hybrid format.
Organized by the Tourism & Leisure Studies Research Network in partnership with Federal Fluminense University, the conference aims to bring together scholars and practitioners from around the world to examine the social, cultural, economic and environmental dimensions of tourism and leisure. The event has become a leading international platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on tourism research, destination development and leisure studies.
The 2027 conference will be held under the special theme:
“Sport and Leisure Tourism: Memorable Experiences, Local Development, and Sustainability.”
According to the organizers, the conference will explore how sport- and leisure-based tourism influences destinations, shapes local identities, generates economic opportunities and contributes to community development. At the same time, discussions will address the challenges of sustainability, environmental responsibility and equitable distribution of tourism benefits.
The scientific program will focus on four major thematic areas:
Experiencing Sport and Leisure Tourism
Local Development and Community Impacts
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Policy, Governance and Future Pathways
Researchers are encouraged to submit studies addressing topics such as destination branding, mega-events, community-based tourism, tourism governance, labor and inequality, environmental management, cultural identity, tourism education and responsible tourism practices. Contributions may be theoretical, empirical, methodological or practice-oriented.
The conference will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions, paper presentations, workshops and networking opportunities. Confirmed keynote speakers include Professor Robert C. Burns of West Virginia University (USA), while additional speakers are expected to be announced in the coming months.
The event will be chaired by Dr. Veronica Mayer of Federal Fluminense University and Dr. Carolin Lusby of Florida International University. The Tourism & Leisure Studies Research Network is led by Prof. Esmeralda Crespo Almendros and Prof. Ana Isabel Polo-Peña of the University of Granada, Spain.
A key feature of the conference is its integrated hybrid model, which combines face-to-face and online participation within a shared digital platform. Accepted proposals become interactive presentation pages where participants can upload presentations, videos and supporting materials, enabling scholarly exchange before, during and after the conference.
Presenters will also have opportunities to develop their work for publication in The International Journal of Tourism and Leisure Studies and other publication outlets associated with the Tourism & Leisure Studies Research Network.
Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis until approximately one month before the conference, with the final submission deadline set for 14 May 2027. Organizers expect the event to attract participants from universities, research institutes, tourism organizations and government agencies across the globe.
Conference at a Glance
Event: Twelfth International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies
Dates: 14–15 June 2027
Venue: Federal Fluminense University
Location: Niterói, Brazil
Format: Hybrid (In-person and Online)
Theme:Sport and Leisure Tourism: Memorable Experiences, Local Development, and Sustainability
Organizer: Tourism & Leisure Studies Research Network
Host Institution: Federal Fluminense University
Abstract Deadline: 14 May 2027
Publication Opportunities: The International Journal of Tourism and Leisure Studies and affiliated publications
