Wellness Tourism

The Tourism, Leisure & Recreation Unit of the Athens Institute is organizing a Microsymposium on “Wellness Tourism” as part of the 22^nd Annual International Conference on Tourism, 8-12 June 2026, Athens, Greece sponsored by the Athens Journal of Tourism.

The microsymposium will explore the multifaceted dimensions of spa tourism. As wellness tourism continues to grow globally, this event aims to foster dialogue on contemporary challenges and opportunities in the spa industry.

Themes and Topics Include:

• Spa Tourism Development & Management: Destination strategies, business models, service innovation
• Consumer Behavior & Experience: Motivations, satisfaction, wellness-seeking behaviors
• Health & Therapeutic Benefits: Balneotherapy, medical tourism, evidence-based wellness
• Sustainability & Environment: Eco-friendly practices, resource management, green spa certifications
• Technology & Innovation: Digital wellness, smart spas, virtual experiences
• Cultural & Social Dimensions: Traditional healing practices, spa heritage, authenticity
• Marketing & Branding: Positioning strategies, digital marketing, customer loyalty
• Policy & Economics: Regulation, quality standards, economic impact assessment.

You may participate as a presenter of one paper and/or an attendee.

Please submit an abstract (by email only) to: atiner@atiner.gr, using the abstract submission form by 17 February 2026 to: Dr. Gregory T. Papanikos, President, Athens Institute. Abstracts should include the following details: Title of Paper, Full Name (s), Affiliation, Current Position, an email address, and at least 3 keywords that best describe the subject of your submission. Decisions are reached within 4 weeks.

Fee structure information is available on www.atiner.gr/fees.

From the Athens Institute’s long experience these events bring together scholars from different countries and disciplines which may result to research collaborations and joint publications. These events include a pragmatic symposium (as organized in Ancient Athens but fine-tuned to synchronous ethics), a special one-day educational island tour, a Mycenae visit, an Athens educational walking tour, a day trip to Delphi, and an ancient Corinth and Cape Sounion visit. Details of the social program are available here.