Researchers, academics, tourism professionals and practitioners are invited to participate in the ATLAS SIG Gastronomy and Tourism Meeting 2026, which will take place in Olot, Catalonia (Spain), from 11–14 February 2026. Organized by the Association for Tourism and Leisure Education and Research (ATLAS), the conference will bring together international scholars and industry experts to discuss the growing relationship between gastronomy, identity and tourism experiences.
Held under the theme “We Are What We Eat, We Travel How We Eat: Identities, Territories and Experiences on the Plate,” the meeting aims to examine how food shapes tourist motivations, destination identities and travel experiences. Organizers describe gastronomy as one of the most powerful drivers of contemporary tourism and emphasize its role in expressing cultural heritage, community values and local identity.
The conference will serve as an interdisciplinary forum for presenting research, sharing best practices and discussing innovative approaches to food tourism. Key themes include gastronomic tourism and cultural identity, food-related tourism experiences, sustainability and ethics in tourism, digital transformation in gastronomy, and the links between tourism, health and well-being. Topics such as culinary heritage, gastronomic storytelling, food festivals, agroecological tourism, social media influence and responsible tourism practices are also expected to feature prominently in the program.
The event will be hosted in Olot, a city located in the volcanic region of La Garrotxa in Catalonia, renowned for its distinctive culinary traditions and strong connection to local food culture. Organizers selected the destination as an ideal setting for discussions on the relationship between territory, gastronomy and tourism.
According to ATLAS, the meeting will combine academic sessions with technical visits and cultural experiences, allowing participants to engage directly with local gastronomy and tourism initiatives. The program is expected to attract researchers and professionals from numerous countries, reinforcing the international character of the event.
The conference is coordinated by Dr. Silvia Aulet of the Faculty of Tourism at the University of Girona and is supported by several academic and tourism organizations, including the UNESCO Chair in Cultural Policies and Cooperation and the Chair of Gastronomy, Culture and Tourism of Calonge and Sant Antoni.
Scholars interested in participating are invited to submit abstracts and contribute to ongoing debates surrounding food, culture, sustainability and tourism development. Through its focus on gastronomy as both a cultural expression and a tourism resource, the conference seeks to advance understanding of how destinations can create meaningful visitor experiences while preserving local heritage and supporting sustainable development.
Conference at a Glance
Event: ATLAS SIG Gastronomy and Tourism Meeting 2026
Theme:We Are What We Eat, We Travel How We Eat: Identities, Territories and Experiences on the Plate
Dates: 11–14 February 2026
Location: Olot, Catalonia, Spain
Organizer: ATLAS – Association for Tourism and Leisure Education and Research
Format: International academic conference and networking meeting
Main Topics: Gastronomy tourism, cultural identity, sustainability, digital transformation, food experiences, health and well-being in tourism
