Why Is It Important to Talk About Tourism?

Tourism has long been one of the most vibrant global industries, contributing significantly to national economies and cultural exchange. Once viewed mainly as a leisure activity, tourism has evolved into a multifaceted industry encompassing business travel, education, and more — accounting for 10.4% of global GDP in 2019 (Statista, 2021).

Beyond economic contributions, tourism generates employment, drives infrastructure development, and fosters cross-cultural understanding between nations.

Tourism in Crisis: Lessons from the Pandemic

The COVID‑19 pandemic dealt a historic blow to the tourism industry, leaving countless services disrupted, jobs lost, and national economies strained. In our interconnected global village, no country can thrive in isolation. This reality underscores the urgency of informed, collaborative efforts to restore and rebuild tourism for a resilient future.

Why Platforms for Dialogue Matter

In times of crisis, credible information and strategic planning are critical. Distorted or unreliable sources can hinder recovery, making it vital to engage with legitimate platforms that provide research-backed insights and best practices. Conferences play a key role by connecting researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to share knowledge and build actionable strategies.

The 8th International Conference on Hospitality and Tourism Management (ICOHT 2021)

The 8th ICOHT 2021, a CPD UK Certified conference, is designed to do just that. Hosted by the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Florida International University, USA, and organized by The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM) under the theme “Post‑Pandemic Tourism and Hospitality,” this conference serves as a global platform to learn, collaborate, and innovate.

Conference Highlights:

• Co-Chairs: Dr. Chandana Jayawardena (Past President, HCIMA UK) & Prof. Dr. D.A.C. Suranga Silva (THERAA Asia).

• Keynote Speakers: Dr. Paul Willie (HFTP Global) & Dr. Mihee Kang (Global Sustainable Tourism Council).

• Plenary Speakers: Dr. Yanki Hartijasti (Universitas Indonesia) & Dr. Sumith De Silva (Airport & Aviation Services, Sri Lanka).

• Publishing Opportunities: With 7 internationally peer-reviewed journals, including Scopus‑indexed options and conference proceedings.

This year’s focus is on sharing global best practices for rebuilding the industry after the most significant challenge in 100 years.

For more information, visit https://tourismconference.co/.