ICTR Mini Tracks

The Mini Tracks for ICTR

  • Sustainable Tourism and the Circular Economy
  • Innovations in Medical Tourism
  • Cultural Tourism
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Sustainable Tourism and the Circular Economy 

Mini Track Chair: Dr Christopher J Moon, Middlesex University, UK

This track will explore the latest developments in the use of circular economy concepts in the tourism industry. Papers reviewing best practices in sustainable tourism or highlighting innovative practices are particularly welcome. This includes the tourism industry, sustainable processes, sustainable transport, sustainable stays (hotels, other establishments, local consumption, waste sorting, etc.), feedback between tourists and providers to improve the sustainable tourism global offer; data on sustainable tourism demands and expectations; innovation and sustainability.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Circular economy in tourism
  • Energy and carbon savings in establishments
  • Use of recycled materials
  • Eco-friendly sourcing / organic
  • Eco-certifications / labelling
  • Energy positive
  • Zero km

Innovations in Medical Tourism

Mini Track Chair: Dr. Tan Lay Hong, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Medical tourism is a burgeoning segment of the global travel and tourism industry, with a value in the billions of dollars, and recognized for its ability to deliver top-notch healthcare services to patients transnationally. The growth of Medical Tourism is fuelled by factors such as cost-effective treatments, shorter waiting periods, and access to advanced medical technologies. Due to the significant economic and social implications of these sectors, there is a heightened focus on sustainable development and innovative solutions to improve patient care, safety, and overall experience. This track intends to broaden the cross-disciplinary scope of Medical Tourism through theoretical and applied research. Contributors are encouraged to investigate the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in these fields and provide insights into best practices and future directions to provide a platform for academics, industry experts, and policymakers to collaborate and exchange ideas on the advancement of innovations that benefit the Medical Tourism industry. Our goal is to highlight effective strategies, emerging trends, and potential future directions for sustainable and inclusive development in this rapidly evolving industry.

Contributors are invited to submit original research papers addressing the relevant aspects of Medical Tourism. The topics of interest include, but are not limited to,

  • Sustainable Development in Medical Tourism
  • Patient Experience and Hospitality in Medical Tourism
  • Quality and Safety in Medical Tourism
  • Marketing and Promoting in Medical Tourism
  • Logistics and Coordination in Medical Tourism
  • Innovations and Technological Advancements in Medical Tourism
  • Halal Medical Tourism

Cultural Tourism

Mini Track Chair: Professor Rossana Santos, University of Maderia, Portugal

According to the UNWTO member states and experts, cultural tourism plays a major role in global tourism today due to changing lifestyles, new forms of culture and creativity, and evolution and innovation in technology. The definition adopted by the UN Tourism General Assembly, states that Cultural Tourism is: “A type of tourism activity in which the visitor’s essential motivation is to learn, discover, experience and consume the tangible and intangible cultural attractions/products in a tourism destination. These attractions/products relate to a set of distinctive material, intellectual, spiritual and emotional features that encompasses arts and architecture, historical and cultural heritage, culinary heritage, literature, music, creative industries and the living cultures with their lifestyles, value systems, beliefs and traditions”. Therefore, responsible and accessible cultural tourism management is a challenging process throughout all the key players of the cultural tourism ecosystem in supporting policies and activities with respect for the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Action policy. From this framework, this mini track seeks to reflect on emerging challenges and possible innovative approaches and solutions related to cultural tourism.

The topics of interest include, but are not limited to,

  • Sustainable cultural tourism
  • Cultural tourism intelligence
  • Innovative cultural experiences in urban and rural areas, natural regions, landscapes, and heritage sites.
  • Gastronomy and Wine tourism.
  • Artificial intelligence and cultural tourism.
  • Cultural tourism marketing