Preparations are underway for the 7th International Congress on Rural Tourism, which will take place 6–9 May 2026 on the island and in the city of Rab, located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia.
This year’s congress will be hosted in a region that holds the prestigious title of European Region of Gastronomy 2026, highlighting the strong connection between local gastronomy, rural heritage, and sustainable tourism development. The event builds on the success of previous editions held in Cavtat and Podstrana and has established itself as one of the most important international scientific and professional gatherings dedicated to rural tourism.
The Congress is organized under the slogan:
“Creative Transformation of Rural Tourism: Sustainability, Digitalization and Inclusiveness”
This theme reflects the major transformations taking place in rural destinations across Europe. Discussions will focus on how innovation, digital tools, and inclusive development models can support the sustainable growth of rural tourism while preserving local culture, landscapes, and traditional livelihoods.
The event will also host the 9th European Congress on Rural Tourism, ensuring strong international visibility and participation from both academia and industry.
The Program Committee already includes experts from 22 countries, bringing together researchers, tourism professionals, policymakers, and destination managers working on rural and sustainable tourism development.
For networks such as Iter Vitis – Les Chemins de la Vigne en Europe, the Congress offers a valuable platform to highlight the role of wine heritage, vineyard landscapes, and enogastronomic tourism in revitalizing rural areas, protecting cultural landscapes, and supporting local communities.
The organizers have also invited Iter Vitis to participate as a co-organizer, reflecting the growing recognition of wine routes and cultural heritage networks as key drivers of rural tourism innovation in Europe.
Opportunities for Participation
The Congress offers several ways for experts and organizations to contribute:
- Scientific research presentations
- Good practice and project examples
- Panel discussions and thematic sessions
- Networking opportunities with international tourism stakeholders
Participants will have the opportunity to present research, exchange ideas with colleagues from across Europe, and connect academic knowledge with practical tourism development initiatives.
Key Deadlines
• 23 March 2026 – Deadline for abstract submission
• 31 March 2026 – Deadline for submission of good practice/project presentations
• 6–9 May 2026 – Congress participation in Rab, Croatia
• 10 June 2026 – Deadline for submission of full papers (after the Congress)
More details about the Congress programme and registration are available on the official website:
https://kongres.klubselo.hr/en
Iter Vitis encourages its members, researchers, and tourism practitioners working in wine tourism, rural development, gastronomy, and cultural heritage to explore participation in this important international event.