CBTS was originally developed in 2008 by the Competence Centre in Tourism Management and Tourism Economics (TOMTE) of the Free University of Bolzano (Italy). The scientific coordinator Oswin Maurer and the TOMTE Members Michael Bosnjak, Serena Volo, Linda Osti, Gabriel Brida, Guenter Schamel, Stefan Schubert as well as Oksana Tokarchuk, Teresio Poggio (since 2012) introduced the conference in 2008 which was held yearly in December at Brunico / Italy. Step by step the CBTS community grew as the event had a very personal character allowing an intense exchange among the participants. Furthermore, CBTS was always seen as a platform to encourage young researchers to present and discuss their current results, and to offer workshops about research and analysis methods.

In 2023 CBTS moved to Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas), in the Netherlands, using a similar format, remaining connected to some of its former members as it seeks to be a vibrant and engaging symposium, led by senior members of the University’s Tourism Academy, such as Perry Obson and Corné Dijkmans. The event also makes a connection to the Industry, through the academy’s connection with professional associations.