The Consumer Behaviour in Tourism Symposium (CBTS) is a leading international platform dedicated to exploring the behaviors, motivations, and experiences of tourists worldwide. Since its launch in 2008, CBTS has provided a unique environment that encourages collaboration between researchers, industry professionals, and students. The symposium is recognized for its intimate setting, fostering meaningful interactions and in-depth discussions among participants.
CBTS has consistently emphasized the development of young researchers, providing workshops, mentorship, and opportunities to present emerging research. Its format balances academic rigor with practical application, making it highly relevant for both scholars and tourism practitioners seeking to understand and influence consumer decision-making in travel and tourism contexts.
Table of Contents
Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Advance research in tourism consumer behaviour; support young researchers; bridge academia and industry |
| Core Themes | Tourist behaviour; experiences & emotions; well-being & mindfulness; analytics & methods; industry collaboration |
| Format | Presentations, workshops, summits, hybrid, and online participation |
| Target Audience | Researchers, students, tourism professionals, and industry stakeholders |
| Global Impact | Encourages cross-cultural studies; informs policy and marketing strategies; promotes international collaboration |
| Key Benefits | Mentorship, networking, skill development, exposure to emerging trends, and applied research |
| Future Direction | Sustainable tourism, digital innovation, interdisciplinary research, and broader global engagement |
Symposium Purpose
CBTS is designed to fulfill multiple objectives, with the overarching goal of advancing knowledge in tourism consumer behaviour. It provides a platform where young researchers can share findings, receive feedback, and interact with senior scholars. The symposium also emphasizes collaboration between academic research and industry practice, bridging gaps between theoretical insight and practical application.
Another key purpose of CBTS is to explore emerging trends and challenges in tourism. These include shifting consumer expectations, technological innovations, and global disruptions affecting travel. The event nurtures analytical thinking, encourages interdisciplinary research, and helps participants translate complex consumer behaviour insights into actionable strategies for tourism management.
Core Themes
- Tourist Behaviour: Investigating travel motivations, decision-making processes, and patterns in consumer preferences.
- Experiences and Emotions: Exploring how emotional experiences shape travel satisfaction, memories, and repeat behaviour.
- Well-being and Mindfulness: Studying the psychological and emotional aspects of tourism experiences, including mental wellness and mindful travel.
- Analytics and Methods: Applying advanced quantitative and qualitative methods to measure satisfaction, engagement, and experiential outcomes.
- Industry Collaboration: Connecting research with real-world applications, allowing tourism operators and policymakers to benefit from evidence-based insights.
The symposium themes evolve annually to incorporate contemporary challenges, such as sustainable tourism, post-pandemic travel trends, and digitalization in tourism experiences. This dynamic approach ensures that CBTS remains relevant and at the forefront of tourism research globally.
Global Impact
CBTS has grown from a local conference into a globally recognized symposium attracting participants from Europe, Asia, North America, and beyond. Its international reach encourages cross-cultural studies and fosters collaboration across borders, enriching the understanding of tourism behaviour in diverse contexts.
The symposium also significantly impacts policy and industry practice. Research presented at CBTS informs tourism marketing, product design, and service delivery strategies. Hybrid events and online components further expand accessibility, enabling researchers and practitioners worldwide to engage in discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. CBTS’s influence extends beyond academia into real-world applications that shape global tourism experiences.
Event Highlights
- Workshops focusing on research methods, analytics, and emerging trends.
- Networking sessions with leading scholars and industry professionals.
- Mentorship opportunities for early-career researchers.
- Exposure to case studies and applied research that directly influence tourism strategy.
- Interactive formats foster discussion, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
These features make CBTS an attractive platform for both academic and professional growth, allowing participants to strengthen skills, form lasting collaborations, and gain insights into innovative research practices.
Future Outlook
CBTS continues to adapt to global shifts in tourism and consumer expectations. Its future direction emphasizes sustainable tourism, technological innovations, and interdisciplinary research. The symposium aims to broaden international collaboration, integrate more applied case studies, and maintain an inclusive platform for emerging researchers to contribute to the field.
By combining academic rigor with practical relevance, CBTS is poised to continue shaping global tourism research, fostering a generation of researchers and practitioners capable of addressing complex challenges in consumer behaviour and travel experiences.
