Call for papers: Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals: From theory to practice, University of Aveiro, Portugal, May 13 – 15, 2020. Deadline: 31 October 2019.
Tourism has become one of the main sectors of activity. According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), it represents almost 10% of world GDP and 30% of service exports, emphasizing their essential contribution to economic growth and the development of nations. The expansion of global tourism has propelled several countries affected by the recession towards economic recovery, such as Portugal. In 2015, the United Nations (UN) launched the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all member countries. This new agenda has the fundamental mission of permanently eradicating poverty in the world. In this context, they launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets, which should drive the efforts of countries, societies and the private sector.
It is undeniable that tourism stimulates growth, having a strong capacity to expand the socioeconomic dynamics of destinations. In recent years, the tourism development process is no longer based on a limited set of products such as sun and beach. Tourism has expanded from seaside destinations to cultural sites and has flourished in several small and medium-sized cities, boosting a renewed phase of urban tourism. Several emerging forms of tourism are responsible for generating pressures in some urban areas, including overtourism . However, these dynamics open opportunities to shape and create new growth poles in cities, with ‘ spillovers ”to the territory. Tourism, as a multidisciplinary, multisectoral, holistic and systemic industry, has enormous potential to contribute to sustainable development, firmly supported by the WTO. Despite the existence of several studies addressing the relationship between tourism, sustainability and sustainable tourism, a comprehensive discussion is needed on how tourism can contribute positively and directly to each of the SDGs.
INVTUR 2020 is an interactive, dynamic and international platform on which academics and practitioners can discuss best practices and strategies in research and knowledge management through partnerships. In the previous edition, it attracted more than 700 participants from over 30 countries on five continents. It has become a forum for discussion and scientific interaction that offers an unforgettable experience for all participants: in scientific and networking potential as well as in social terms. INVTUR, an international tourism conference of recognized value, has been organized by the University of Aveiro since 2010, in collaboration with several partner universities from different countries. Located in the modern and tourist city of Aveiro, The University of Aveiro boasts its reputation as an international higher education institution and one of the most dynamic and innovative universities in Portugal. Being among the best in the country in scientific and architectural terms, the University is also proud to be a Center of Excellence in Tourism.
Center for Intercultural Dialogue 