CBTS 2026

Save the Date – Consumer Behavior in Tourism Symposium (CBTS): September 16-18, 2026

Since 2008, the annual Consumer Behavior in Tourism Symposium (CBTS) has been providing an opportunity for tourism scholars and practitioners to exchange ideas, share perspectives, present scientific studies and explore their results. As in previous years, CBTS 2026 will offer both established and emerging researchers as well as practitioners the chance to engage in discussions about innovative research directions and practical applications within the field of consumer behavior in tourism.

From September 16 to 18, 2026, CBTS will be hosted for the first time by the German Institute for Tourism Research at the FH Westküste University of Applied Sciences in Heide, Germany.

The overarching theme of CBTS 2026, “From Consumption to Contribution: Social Dimensions of Tourist Behavior”invites presentations on a wide range of perspectives related to social sustainability and consumer behavior in tourism. Contributions addressing topics such as the multifaceted impacts of tourist behaviour on local communities, approaches to operationalizing social sustainability in tourism in line with the SDGs, or future-oriented perspectives on fostering socially responsible tourist behaviour are highly welcome. In addition, there will also be an opportunity to present further current research on consumer behavior (open track).

The Call for Papers will be released at the beginning of 2026 – please save the date in your calendar already today. For general information about CBTS and future updates, we will keep you up to date here on our website!

For further inquiries, you are also welcome to contact the organizing team at cbts2026[at]fh-westkueste.de.

We look forward to welcoming you next year on Germany’s North Sea coast!