Towards Resilient Destinations: Integrating Nature, Culture and Tourism for Sustainable Futures (NEST) is an international conference hosted by the Ionian University in Corfu, Greece, taking place on 23–24 April 2026.
NEST (Nature, Environment, Sustainability and Tourism) brings together leading and emerging scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from the environmental and social sciences, the humanities, and related fields to examine how tourism can support the long-term resilience of natural, cultural, and social environments. The conference provides a multidisciplinary forum for critical discussion, knowledge exchange, and collaboration around sustainable destination futures.
Keynote speakers will include:
- Achim Steiner of Oxford University (formerly UN Under-Secretary General/Administrator of the United Nations Development Group) joining virtually;
- Ian Goldin of the Oxford Martin School (previously at the World Bank) in person;
- Dimitri Vayanos Professor of Finance at the London School of Economics (co-author of the Pissarides report on Greek economic growth. Ιn person.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Present peer-reviewed work, with possible support options for participants coming from abroad
- Engage with leading international speakers and gain insight into current and emerging research agendas
- Develop professional networks across disciplines and sectors
- Explore opportunities for collaboration and future research funding
- Take part in a distinctive cultural and environmental programme, including a guided visit to the ‘wild Corfu’ area of Erimitis
Research Focus and Local Engagement
A central feature of the conference is its emphasis on place-based research and real-world contexts. Local case studies will inform broader discussions relevant to the Mediterranean region and beyond, with particular attention to Erimitis, a largely untouched coastal landscape in Corfu. A guided field visit to Erimitis will be offered as part of the conference programme.
An Inclusive and Forward-Looking Conference
While indicative research themes are outlined in the About section, NEST welcomes abstract submissions from all academic disciplines, including the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The conference encourages interdisciplinary perspectives and innovative approaches to sustainability and tourism.
Beyond the event itself, NEST aims to create a lasting legacy by engaging with local stakeholders and the wider public. True to its name, NEST seeks to incubate ideas, partnerships, and projects that contribute to shared knowledge and more sustainable futures.
We look forward to welcoming you to Corfu for an intellectually engaging conference and a memorable personal experience.
