May 13, 2026 - May 15, 2026
2026 TTRA Europe Annual Chapter Conference
Dates: May 13-15, 2026
Location: Portorož, Slovenia
Organiser: Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA)
Host: University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies Turistica
Conference Overview
Shaping Europe’s Visitor Economy Through Evidence-Based Research
The 2026 TTRA Europe Conference invites contributions addressing key challenges and opportunities facing tourism in Europe and beyond. This year’s themes draw on pressing academic debates, urgent industry challenges, evolving European policy frameworks, and a strong emphasis on empirically supported decision-making grounded in rigorous scientific approaches.
Keynote Speakers
- Prof. Sara Dolničar, PhD
University of Queensland - Prof. Xavier Font, PhD
University of Surrey - Prof. Anne Hardy, PhD
Southern Cross University - Additional leading voices from academia, industry, and EU institutions to be announced.
Conference Themes
- Balancing growth and resilience
- Smart, inclusive and digital tourism
- Regulating tourism and restoring balance
- Aligning research, practice and EU policy
Doctoral Seminar
Shaping research careers: Beyond counting, towards quality and impact
The doctoral seminar provides a platform for PhD students to present and discuss their work with peers and senior scholars.
Doctoral Seminar Chair: Mike Peters
Call for Papers
Submissions are invited in the following categories:
- Extended abstracts
- Applied (industry) papers
- Student papers
- Posters
Submission deadline: February 15, 2026
Important Dates
- November 15, 2025 — Submission open
- February 15, 2026 — Submission deadline (extended)
- March 10, 2026 — Notification of acceptance
- March 20, 2026 — Early bird registration deadline (extended)
- March 31, 2026 — Submission of special session proposals
- May 13–15, 2026 — Conference dates
Venue
University of Primorska
Faculty of Tourism Studies Turistica
Obala 11a
Portorož, Slovenia
LOCATION
Conference Chairs
- Miha Bratec
- Emil Juvan
Publication Opportunities
Only submissions presented at the conference will be considered for inclusion in the conference proceedings and invited for submission to:
Academica Turistica – Tourism and Innovation Journal (AT-TIJ)
Registration Fees
| Category | Early Bird | Regular |
|---|---|---|
| PhD students | €220 | €220 |
| TTRA members | €320 | €440 |
| Non-members | €520 | €640 |
Conference Highlights
- Doctoral seminar facilitated by Mike Peters
- Keynote presentations from leading international experts
- Panel tracks including Meet the Editor, Tourism Innovation, Tourism Taxation, and more
- Networking events including:
- Opening Cocktail Reception
- Gala Dinner
- Farewell Reception
- Cultural excursions to the Venetian town of Piran
Conference Programme
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
- Informal dinner for University of Primorska Management and TTRA
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
- PhD students day
- Green day of Slovenian tourism
- Opening ceremony with cocktail reception
Thursday, May 14, 2026
- Keynote speech
- Parallel academic sessions
- Keynote presentation
- Visit to Piran and Gala Dinner
Friday, May 15, 2026
- Keynote speech
- Business and academic special track sessions
- Parallel academic sessions
- Meet the Editor session
- Round-table discussion
- Closing ceremony
Travel and Logistics
Airports
Portorož is accessible from several nearby airports:
- Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (Slovenia), approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
- Trieste Airport (Italy), approx. 50 minutes
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (Italy), approx. 2 hours
- Zagreb Airport (Croatia), approx. 3 hours
Train
Nearest stations:
- Trieste Centrale, Italy
- Koper, Slovenia
These are connected to Portorož via regular bus and shuttle services.
Shuttle and Bus Services
Direct buses operate from Ljubljana, Trieste, and regional centres.
Recommended shuttle service:
GoOpti
www.goopti.com
By Car
Portorož is accessible via motorway from Ljubljana and Italy. Parking is available at and near the conference venue.
Official Conference Accommodation
Special accommodation rates are available using discount code:
TTRA26
Official Partner Hotels
Bernardin Resort
5 to 10 minute walk from venue
Includes:
- Hotel Vile Park
- Hotel Histrion
- Grand Hotel Bernardin
Boutique Hotel Portorož
Wellness-focused hotel
Approximately 20 minute walk from venue
Art Hotel Tartini
Located in historic Piran
Approximately 25 minute walk from venue
Booking Note: Reservations must be made directly with hotels.
Additional Nearby Accommodation
LifeClass Hotels and Spa Portorož
Located in central Portorož
Approximately 15 minute walk from venue
Hotel Marko Portorož
Located near the beach
Approximately 10 minute walk from venue
Kempinski Palace Portorož
Five-star luxury hotel in central Portorož
Approximately 15 minute walk from venue
Hosted By
University of Primorska
Faculty of Tourism Studies Turistica