Forward-thinking and innovative conferences and events have become a trademark of CREST programming. Solutions-oriented and participatory, our events bring together researchers and practitioners to discuss challenges facing destination communities and the tourism industry at large, and share solutions by highlighting illustrative case studies and best practices. Through our events, we strive to provide a platform for speakers of diverse backgrounds so that all voices are involved in the discussion around solutions.
Throughout the year, we host webinars on key topics of interest and strive to make them interactive and free, or low-cost. While started out of necessity during the pandemic, they have now become a regular part of our programming. Our webinars take place every other month, focusing on robust discussion around more specific topics, and include virtual networking at the end of each.
Every year, we host our annual World Tourism Day Forum in September, focusing on pressing issues such as climate change, overtourism, and destination stewardship. They are heavily solutions-oriented, inviting practitioners to discuss the successes and obstacles they have faced in implementing tourism solutions. Starting in 2023, this event will be a hybrid event, connecting people in-person once again while also allowing others from around the globe to participate and network with others.
Our symposia are invitation-only think tanks, where experts and academics present the latest evidence and brainstorm solutions to different threats in a destination. We have held symposia in Cuba, Grenada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Tanzania, and the US on the topics of climate change, small-scale tourism, local development, impact tourism, etc. Our symposiums will resume in 2024.