ECU World Tourism Day 2026
Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we travel. It is helping businesses create better visitor experiences, manage destinations more effectively, and build a more sustainable tourism industry.
Join us for ECU World Tourism Day 2026 and discover how AI and digital technology are shaping the future of tourism.
Inspired by the UN Tourism 2026 theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,” this half-day forum brings together leaders from tourism, government, business, technology, and education. Together, they will share ideas, practical solutions, and real-world examples of digital innovation in action.
Western Australia has a unique opportunity to lead this change. Visitor numbers are growing, Aboriginal cultural tourism continues to attract global attention, and new technologies are creating exciting ways to connect people with places and communities.
Hear from inspiring speakers, join thought-provoking discussions, and connect with people who are shaping the future of tourism. Explore how digital tools can improve visitor experiences, support local communities, protect our natural and cultural heritage, and help the tourism industry prepare for tomorrow.
Whether you work in tourism, technology, government, education, or simply have an interest in the future of travel, ECU World Tourism Day 2026 is your chance to learn, connect, and be part of the conversation.
Alongside the main program, our foyer will host a series of mini-exhibitions featuring cutting-edge work from both industry and academia. Connect directly with researchers and industry innovators as they share their latest projects and insights.
Speakers
Chad Anderson
Tourism WA | Chief Executive Officer
Chad Anderson is a senior executive with more than 20 years’ leadership experience across federal, state and territory governments, with extensive experience spanning the finance, education, sport and tourism sectors.
Throughout his career, Chad has demonstrated a strong ability to identify opportunities, build effective partnerships and foster a culture of innovation, while delivering complex strategies across government, industry and the broader community.
Emmanuel (Manny) Papadoulis
Executive Director | Icon tourism
Manny Papadoulis is a respected tourism strategist, business leader and company director with more than 40 years’ experience across Australia’s tourism and visitor economy.
His career has given him a unique perspective spanning tourism operations, destination marketing, regional development, governance and government.
Panel Discussion
Andrew Lai
SMEC AI
Angela Beechey
Women in Tourism & Hospitality (WA) &
Australian Hotels Association (WA)
Jai McNaughton
Accor
Prof Steven D’Alessandro
ECU School of Business and Law
Vaughan Bevan
Department of Creative Industries, Tourism & Sports
What to expect…
Watch the highlights from ECU World Tourism Day 2025 and hear from the speakers and industry leaders who helped make last year’s event a success.
See the key moments, inspiring conversations, and connections that brought the tourism community together, and get a glimpse of what’s in store for ECU World Tourism Day 2026.
What 2025 attendees say
“The ECU World Tourism Day Forum was a sensational event and a powerful gathering. Leaders across government, industry, and academia provided invaluable insights into the future of tourism in Western Australia.“
— Micheal Collins
President, Skål International Perth
“Events like this are a great example of how industry, academia, and government can work together, helping students bridge academic understanding with real-world insights into critical global topics like sustainability.”
— Bradley Woods
CEO, Australian Hotels Association and Chair of Business Events Perth
“Research from institutions like the ECU School of Business and Law provides the proven, trusted data we need to underpin our work. It empowers the next generation of leaders to act decisively and reinforces the true value of the tourism story.“
— Sonja Mitchell
CEO, Destination Perth
Sponsors & Partners
