October 7, 2026 - October 9, 2026
October 7–9, 2026
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tourism from the Heart
Driven by Data. Grounded in Place. Focused on People.
TTRA Canada is pleased to invite tourism research practitioners, academics, students, government partners, and industry leaders to the 2026 TTRA Canada Annual Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the heart of Canada and the homeland of the Red River Métis.
This year’s conference theme, Tourism from the Heart: Driven by Data, Grounded in Place, and Focused on People, invites participants to explore how tourism research can inform better decisions while remaining accountable to the people and places it affects.
In an era of rapid change, tourism research must do more than track trends. It must help communities, destinations, businesses, and policymakers understand what is changing, why it matters, and how to respond with clarity, care, and purpose.
Why Manitoba?
As a place of origin, exchange, and governance, Manitoba provides a meaningful setting for conversations about tourism as a shared responsibility to residents, visitors, workers, rights-holders, and future generations.
The 2026 conference will explore how we can build a visitor economy that is smart, sustainable, evidence-informed, and deeply rooted in place.
Conference Theme
Tourism from the Heart emphasizes research that sees people not only as data points, but as partners, knowledge holders, decision-makers, and community members.
The conference invites contributions that examine tourism’s most pressing questions, including how evidence shapes decisions and policy, how place and community anchor the visitor experience, and how the sector can centre human wellbeing alongside economic outcomes.
From theoretical research to applied industry challenges, TTRA Canada welcomes work that crosses disciplines, supports practical decision-making, and speaks to tourism’s evolving complexities.
Key Conference Streams
The Visitor Economy
Building value that lasts for destinations and people. This stream explores destination competitiveness, Indigenous and Métis-led partnership models, economic development, resident quality of life, and the long-term value of tourism.
Community and Climate
Tourism that strengthens places instead of straining them. This stream focuses on regenerative practices, climate adaptation, community wellbeing, and the integration of Indigenous land-based knowledge into tourism planning.
Emerging Technologies
Innovation with purpose. This stream explores AI, data-informed analytics, digital tools, and the ethical use of technology to support better decisions while preserving cultural context and the human dimensions of tourism.
Education and Training
Preparing people for the future of tourism. This stream focuses on workforce development, upskilling, equity, inclusion, leadership development, and the skills needed to support a thriving tourism sector.
Call for Participation
The Call for Participation is now open.
TTRA Canada welcomes submissions from academics, students, practitioners, industry partners, and institutions interested in contributing to the 2026 conference program.
Submission options include:
- Academic Peer-reviewed Abstracts
- Practitioner and Industry Proposal Submissions
- Student Research Colloquium Submissions
- Annual National Student Case Competition
The submission deadline is June 19, 2026.
Submissions should be practical, transparent, and connected to real-world tourism challenges and opportunities. We especially encourage work that demonstrates clear research implications and value to the tourism industry.