Wakayama University’s Center for Tourism Research (CTR) will host the CTR International Symposium 2026 on 30–31 October 2026, bringing together researchers and practitioners to examine connections between tourism education and destination management. Participation is free, with attendance available at the university and online through Zoom Webinar. Advance registration is required.

Under the theme “Tourism Education to Enhance Sensibility and Empathy and Destination Management —Linking to Regenerative Tourism—,” the symposium will explore how education can cultivate sensitivity, empathy and values, and how these qualities can inform tourism practices that support the renewal of ecosystems and communities.

The event forms part of CTR’s annual symposium series, established in 2022 around tourism education and destination management. This year’s discussions will consider the implications of technological change and environmental challenges for relationships between visitors, residents and nature.

The first day will feature a keynote by Dr Yoshiyuki Yamada, President of Osaka University of Tourism. On the second day, Professor Johan Edelheim of Hokkaido University will deliver a keynote entitled “Practices and Utopias of Values-Based Tourism Education.”

A subsequent panel will connect educational approaches with practical experiences in regenerative tourism. Contributors include Edelheim, Yurika Shibamoto of Wakayama University, Sari Hayashiguchi of Mizu to Takumi, and Fumimaru Osaki of the Ogimi Village Tourism Association. Professor Kumi Kato of Wakayama University will moderate the discussion.

Symposium at a Glance

• Dates: 30–31 October 2026

• Organiser: Center for Tourism Research, Wakayama University, Japan

• Format: Hybrid—in-person attendance and Zoom Webinar

• Day 1: 30 October, 10:50–12:20 JST (UTC+9)

• Day 2: 31 October, 13:25–17:00 JST (UTC+9)

• In-person venues: Room W2-301, West Building 2, on Day 1; Room E1-102, East Building 1, on Day 2

• Languages: Japanese only on Day 1; Japanese and English with simultaneous interpretation on Day 2

• Participation fee: Free; advance registration required

• In-person registration deadline: 26 October 2026, 17:00 JST, or earlier if capacity is reached

• Online capacity: 500 participants

• Registration: In-person attendance | Online attendance

• Further information: Official symposium announcement.