GSTC Academic Symposium III Edition

The GSTC Academic Symposium returns to Fiji on August 5, 2025, as a dynamic in-person event held in conjunction with the GSTC2025 Global Conference. This one-day gathering brings together researchers, academics, industry leaders, and policymakers to engage in meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange on the most pressing issues in sustainable tourism.

The symposium is designed to foster collaboration between research and practice, providing a dedicated forum for sharing insights, research findings, and practical experiences. Through vibrant discussions and interactive sessions, participants explore innovative approaches to integrating sustainability principles across tourism sectors. The event highlights the importance of adaptive management, climate resilience, and community engagement—ensuring that tourism continues to be a force for good.

By facilitating ongoing exchange between academia and industry, the GSTC Academic Symposium reinforces a global commitment to advancing sustainable tourism development. The goal is to help destinations thrive economically while preserving their unique cultural heritage and natural environments for future generations.

When: August 5, 2025

Where: Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, Fiji

This theme delves into the sustainable management of coastal and island tourism, emphasizing reef protection, responsible diving, and inland tourism development. It explores strategies for balancing visitor growth with environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and economic benefits for local communities. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for coral restoration, inland tourism diversification, and small-island destination management to ensure long-term sustainability.

This theme explores the role of community, culture, and responsible development in shaping sustainable tourism. It highlights how cultural heritage, workforce empowerment, and ethical tourism practices can benefit local communities. Discussions will also cover sustainable cruise tourism, responsible shore excursions, and fostering meaningful connections between global partners and local development.

Climate Resilience, Adaption, and Sustainable Recovery explores destination sustainability plans, disaster preparedness, sustainability measurement, and eco-friendly attractions and events. explores climate resilience, sustainable recovery, and responsible tourism development. It covers destination sustainability plans, risk management, sustainability measurement, and the role of attractions and events in promoting eco-friendly practices. Discussions will highlight strategies for long-term resilience, conservation, and sustainable tourism growth.

Registration Details

Academic Symposium + Conference

  • The Academic Symposium registration is free of charge for those who attend the GSTC2025 Fiji Conference.
  • To register to the symposium in addition to your conference registration, contact us (after you registered to the conference) at events@gstc.org to confirm your attendance to the academic symposium.

Academic Symposium Only

  • The symposium registration fee, if you’re not joining the conference, is USD 120.
  • To register separately for the Academic Symposium ONLY, please email events@gstc.org

Call for Papers

We are excited to announce a call for papers for this third academic symposium in conjunction with the GSTC2025 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference. The symposium offers a platform for researchers and practitioners focusing on sustainable tourism to exchange their findings. Submissions must address the key themes of the conference, and we particularly encourage papers that apply the GSTC Framework or highlight the integration of the GSTC Standards (formerly known as GSTC Criteria) within academic curricula.

While authors are encouraged to submit abstracts addressing these themes, any submissions related to current issues in sustainable tourism research will be considered. Researchers may submit abstracts for in-person presentations during the conference academic symposium.

We welcome original research, case studies, and theoretical contributions related (but not limited) to the following themes:

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Abstract Submission Deadline: 31st May 2025

Notifications of Acceptance: 23rd June 2025 (updated)

Symposium Date: 5th August 2025

We welcome original research, case studies, and theoretical contributions. Proposals should include:
  • Presenter(s) name, affiliation, and contact details for the corresponding author
  • Title of the presentation (abstract)
  • Key Words
  • Short Abstract (up to 200 words)
  • Extended Abstract (up to 1000 words)
    • Your extended abstract should NOT include author information. This will enable the peer review process.
    • Introduction of research context, academic field and area of study. For case study reports, include non-academic stakeholders and operational context.
    • Presentation of research question or problem statement, purpose of the case study or initiative.
    • Description of method and methodological considerations.
    • For scientific research presentations; theoretical alignment, relevant literature and previous research.
    • Presentation of results and outcome.
    • Two key takeaways for tourism practitioners and businesses.

For submissions, follow the Submit Abstract link process on this page.

Peer Review Process

All submitted abstracts will undergo a double-blind peer review by members of the symposium’s academic committee. Acceptance will be based on scholarly merit, originality, and relevance to the symposium theme.

Each submitted abstract and accompanying presentation should align with the above stated structure. Selected insights will be summarized on our website and in the conference proceedings. The presentation format will consist of a 15-minute oral presentation followed by a Q&A.
For inquiries about the symposium submissions, kindly contact the Academic Symposium Organization Committee Chairs: Carolin Lusby clusby@fiu.edu and Kajsa Åberg kajsa.aberg@regionvasterbotten.se. For logistical inquiries, please contact events@gstc.org.

Sponsored by

Tourism Fiji

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