International Conference "Towards Resilient Destinations: Integrating Nature, Culture and Tourism for Sustainable Futures (NEST)"

The International Conference "Towards Resilient Destinations: Integrating Nature, Culture and Tourism for Sustainable Futures (NEST)", co-organised by the Ionian Environment Foundation (IEF) and the Ionian University, was successfully held in a hybrid format on April 23–24, 2026, at the historic Ionian Academy in Corfu. The conference served as a vital interdisciplinary forum for critical discussion and knowledge exchange regarding the sustainable future of tourism destinations.

Throughout the two-day event, leading academics, policymakers, and tourism professionals gathered to address the environmental, social, and economic challenges facing modern destinations. The discussions were structured around three core thematic pillars:

• Nature Conservation & Climate Resilience
• Cultural Heritage & Creative Economies
• Innovations for Resilient Tourism Futures

A major highlight of the conference was the participation of a distinguished group of prominent speakers, including Achim Steiner (Oxford Martin School), Professor Ian Goldin (University of Oxford), Professor Dimitri Vayanos, UK Ambassador Matthew Lodge, Jenny Uglow, Dr. Lee Durrell MBE, Professor Sir Drummond Bone, and Professor Michael Heinrich.
https://conferences.ionio.gr/trd/en/prominent-speakers/

In addition to the keynote speeches and research presentations by established and emerging scholars, participants had the opportunity to join a specialized boat excursion to Erimitis. This coastal area of Northeast Corfu, characterized by its forests and wetlands, served as a real-world example of the ecological wealth necessary for an environmentally sustainable future.

While many delegates attended in person at the Ionian Academy, the conference achieved a truly international reach. Participants from across Europe joined the sessions online, contributing to a vibrant global dialogue on resilience, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean region.

For those who were unable to attend the live sessions or wish to revisit the discussions, the entire conference is now available for on-demand viewing. You can access the recorded sessions and speeches through the official conference platform.
https://conferences.ionio.gr/trd/en/live/