The Eighth Edition of the Cultural Sustainable Tourism (CST) conference is set to be hosted on September 8th-10th, 2026. Building upon the great success of its seven preceding editions, CST 2026 marks itself as a reference on the intersection of culture, tourism, and sustainability. Previous conferences have diligently explored the preservation of cultural heritage, the environmental impacts of tourism, the economic benefits for local communities, and the burgeoning role of digital integration in enhancing the tourist experience. These discussions have cemented the understanding that cultural tourism, when managed responsibly, is an indispensable tool for heritage conservation, community empowerment, and economic development.

However, the contemporary landscape of travel and cultural exchange is rapidly evolving, presenting unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Global shifts, including the accelerating impacts of climate change on vulnerable cultural sites, the rise of over-tourism in popular destinations, and the increasing demand for authentic and transformative travel experiences, necessitate a paradigm shift. Traditional approaches to sustainability, while important, are now recognized as foundational, compelling us to move towards a more active, restorative, and regenerative model of cultural tourism, eco-tourism, religious tourism and Transnational cultural tourism. This demands that our engagements not only minimize harm but actively contribute to the revitalization of cultural ecosystems, both tangible tourism and intangible tourism, and the well-being of host communities.

Therefore, CST 2026, therefore, will focus on “Regenerative models of future tourism.” This overarching theme in the tourism sector aims to actively enhance cultural integrity, ecological health, and social equity, leaving destinations more vibrant and resilient than before. We aim to explore how cultural tourism can become a genuine force for positive change, moving beyond mere preservation to active regeneration.

This conference will serve as an important interdisciplinary platform, which is useful for academics, cultural heritage experts, tourism professionals, policymakers, local communities, and technologists. CST’s goal is to collectively define and implement the next generation of cultural sustainable tourism, concluding innovative solutions and collaborative strategies. Through keynote sessions, insightful panel discussions, and high-quality research presentations, CST 2026 will facilitate a rich dialogue among stakeholders, promoting initiatives that enhance cultural authenticity, build community resilience, and contribute meaningfully to global sustainability goals.