Malta to Host the Mediterranean Tourism Knowledge Exchange and Policy Forum

Malta is going to be the host of the Mediterranean Tourism Knowledge Exchange and Policy Forum this year.

Dimitrios Bulhalis, Professor of Smart Tourism, Bournemouth University Business School is organizing "The Mediterranean Tourism Knowledge Exchange and Policy Forum 2023: MED Life - Tourism Hospitality and Wellbeing towards 2030", in collaboration with Tourism Review.

The Forum will be held at the Hilton Hotel St Julian's Malta on Tuesday 21st November and Wednesday 22nd Nov 2023. This will be followed by the 7th Mediterranean Tourism Forum, which takes place on 23rd Nov.

Mediterranean Life encompasses several principles that promote well-being. A wonderful climate, natural and cultural resources, a diverse but healthy diet, spirituality, and a supportive community create an environment that is inclusive and enhances quality of life. The natural LIFE (seas, mountains, forests, animals, deserts, etc.) and our LIVES (traditions and folklore, foods, music, arts, historical landmarks, etc.) are inextricably linked.

Tourism is based on authentic experiences and engaging with natural or cultural resources. Tourism is a major source of income, employment and income in the Mediterranean region. To balance tourism with the environment, smart tools are needed to plan and manage resources. Planning and managing tourism activities can lead to unwanted social and environment disturbances.

The Mediterranean Tourism Knowledge Exchange and Policy Forum, a two-day event, will bring together researchers and policymakers for an exchange of news and views as well as research findings. The forum will help to improve the regional and economic planning and development of Mediterranean Tourism through evidence-based practices.

The Forum helps tourism and hospitality organizations and destinations improve their competitiveness, and make them more attractive, sustainable and competitive. Regenerative tourism is a form of tourism that actively regenerates, revitalizes and has a positive impact on both the local community and the environment. This makes destinations more appealing for visitors as well as local residents.

Tourism should create mutually beneficial relationships among tourists, communities, and the environment. This will ensure that everyone benefits from the experience. The forum should encourage further research into Mediterranean LIFE via tourism.

Professor Dimitrios Buhalis, a Strategic Management and Marketing Expert with specialisations in Information Communication Technology, Smart Environments and Interactive Marketing, is an expert on technology applications for the Tourism, Travel, Hospitality and Leisure Industries. He is a Professor of Smart Tourism in the Bournemouth University Business School. He was a Visiting Professor in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Source: traveldailynews.com