Theme Chair's Message
Regenerative MICE Business for Resilient Destinations
Asst. Prof. Donruetai Kovathanakul, Ph.D.
It is my great pleasure to welcome scholars, researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders to Theme 1 of ReTour ASIA-PACIFIC 2026. Under the conference theme, “Beyond Sustainability: The Resilient Future through Regenerative Tourism,” this track explores how business MICE can become catalysts for regeneration, innovation, and destination resilience. As the business MICE industry evolves, it is essential to create meaningful legacies that benefit local communities, strengthen destination competitiveness, and foster sustainable development. I look forward to engaging discussions and innovative research that will shape the future of regenerative MICE ecosystems across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Wellness, Health, and Regenerative Tourism Futures
Jinnapas Dominic, Ph.D.
Welcome to Theme 2 of ReTour ASIA-PACIFIC 2026. As wellness, health, and well-being continue to influence tourism development worldwide, this track highlights the transformative role of tourism in enhancing quality of life while contributing to environmental and community regeneration. Aligned with our conference theme, “Beyond Sustainability: The Resilient Future through Regenerative Tourism,” we invite research that explores innovative approaches to wellness tourism, health tourism, spa and holistic experiences, and destination well-being. I look forward to fruitful exchanges of knowledge that inspire new perspectives and promote a more resilient and regenerative future for individuals, communities, and destinations.
Community-Based Tourism, Ecotourism, and Environmental Regeneration
Asst. Prof. Maythawin Polnyotee, Ph.D.
It is an honor to welcome participants to Theme 3 of ReTour ASIA-PACIFIC 2026. Community-based tourism, ecotourism, and ethnic tourism play vital roles in fostering inclusive growth, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. Under the guiding theme, “Beyond Sustainability: The Resilient Future through Regenerative Tourism,” this track seeks to explore how tourism can empower local communities, strengthen cultural identities, and contribute to ecosystem restoration. By sharing experiences, research findings, and practical innovations, we can collectively advance regenerative tourism models that create positive and lasting impacts for host communities while promoting resilience in an increasingly dynamic global tourism landscape.
Resilient Aviation, Mobility, and Connectivity in Tourism
Chichaya Leruksa, Ph.D.
Welcome to Theme 4 of ReTour ASIA-PACIFIC 2026. Transportation and connectivity are essential foundations of tourism development, supporting accessibility, mobility, and regional integration. In the context of “Beyond Sustainability: The Resilient Future through Regenerative Tourism,” this theme examines how aviation, transport innovation, and mobility systems can contribute to more resilient and sustainable tourism futures. We encourage discussions on emerging trends, technology applications, green mobility, and strategic policies that strengthen tourism connectivity while minimizing environmental impacts. I look forward to insightful contributions that advance knowledge and practical solutions for the future of tourism mobility and destination accessibility.
Destination Management, Service Innovation, and Tourism Experience Design
Nirun Potchani, Ph.D.
On behalf of the organizing committee, I am delighted to welcome you to Theme 5 of ReTour ASIA-PACIFIC 2026. Effective destination management and innovative tourism experiences are increasingly important in creating long-term value for visitors, communities, and stakeholders. Aligned with the conference theme, “Beyond Sustainability: The Resilient Future through Regenerative Tourism,” this track focuses on innovation, governance, service excellence, and experience design that support resilient tourism ecosystems. We invite participants to share cutting-edge research, practical applications, and collaborative approaches that contribute to sustainable destination competitiveness and meaningful tourism experiences in an ever-changing global environment.
Storytelling, Spirituality, and Transformative Tourism Experiences
Asst. Prof. Riena Thongtammachat, Ph.D.
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Theme 6 of ReTour ASIA-PACIFIC 2026. Tourism is increasingly recognized as a vehicle for personal transformation, cultural understanding, and meaningful engagement with places and communities. Guided by “Beyond Sustainability: The Resilient Future through Regenerative Tourism,” this theme explores the roles of storytelling, spirituality, heritage interpretation, and transformative experiences in creating deeper connections between visitors and destinations. Through interdisciplinary dialogue and research exchange, we aim to better understand how narratives, beliefs, and authentic experiences can contribute to regenerative tourism development while strengthening cultural preservation, community well-being, and destination resilience.
Artificial Intelligence and Interdisciplinary Innovation for Regenerative Futures
Asst. Prof. Raksmey Sann, Ph.D.
Welcome to Theme 7 of ReTour ASIA-PACIFIC 2026. The challenges facing tourism today require innovative solutions that transcend disciplinary boundaries. Under the conference theme, “Beyond Sustainability: The Resilient Future through Regenerative Tourism,” this track examines how artificial intelligence, big data analytics, digital transformation, and interdisciplinary collaboration can contribute to regenerative tourism futures. We encourage contributions that integrate technology, business, social sciences, environmental studies, and policy perspectives to address complex tourism issues. I look forward to inspiring discussions that demonstrate how intelligent technologies and collaborative innovation can support resilient destinations, empowered communities, and sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region.
Artificial Intelligence for Tourism Transformation and Resilience
Asst. Prof. Zulfiqar Ali Jumani, Ph.D.
It is a privilege to welcome participants to Theme 8 of ReTour ASIA-PACIFIC 2026. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how tourism destinations, organizations, and stakeholders plan, manage, and deliver visitor experiences. Aligned with the conference theme, “Beyond Sustainability: The Resilient Future through Regenerative Tourism,” this track explores the application of AI in tourism management, destination planning, marketing, forecasting, and visitor engagement. We invite scholars and practitioners to share innovative research and practical insights that demonstrate how AI can enhance resilience, foster regeneration, and create more adaptive and intelligent tourism systems for the future.