- World Tourism Event opened in Assisi on 24 and 25 September 2026
- 17th edition returns to city where event was founded
- Focus on UNESCO World Heritage Sites and slow tourism
- Coincides with eighth centenary of Transit of St Francis
- B2B workshops connect international buyers with regional providers
The 17th edition of the World Tourism Event officially opened in Assisi, Italy, taking place on 24 and 25 September 2026. Held at the historic Palazzo del Monte Frumentario, this international exhibition focuses entirely on the tourism promotion and preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This year’s event represents a sentimental homecoming, returning to the very city where the exhibition was first inaugurated 17 years ago. The 2026 edition coincides with the celebrations for the eighth centenary of the Transit of St Francis.
A core pillar of the 2026 event was positioning tourism as a vehicle for intercultural dialogue, global peace and mutual understanding. Organisers and panels highlighted how the fundamental rights, environmental conservation and community values of St Francis mirror modern UNESCO protection philosophies. The event strongly championed a slow tourism model, actively promoting cycling routes, hiking trails, nature parks and hidden small villages to spread tourist footprints. Linking regional food and wine producers to local tourism itineraries to economically benefit surrounding rural communities was also discussed.
The event featured high-level business matchings via its central B2B Workshop. Italian travel sellers connected directly with major international buyers from Europe and the United States to build tailored, heritage-centric travel packages that foster year-round tourism rather than just high-season visits. The event spotlighted the importance of long-term conservation by mapping out programmes for youth engagement through UNESCO Clubs and education in local schools.
