ITSA 2011 - 1st Annual Shangri-LAsia Tourism International Forum

The International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) will hold the 1st Annual Shangri-LAsia Tourism International Forum in Shangri-La, Yunnan Province, China on August 8-12, 2011. With the overall theme of “New Horizons for the Future of Tourism,” the Forum will address the most critical issues facing tourism worldwide in the 2nd decade of the 21st century.

Taking inspiration from the visionary development of Shangri-La as a tourism destination, the Forum will look ahead in searching for solutions to tourism’s most pressing dilemmas in the decades ahead, including:

? Sustainable tourism
? Tourism and minority peoples
? Environmental impacts of tourism
? Global warming and tourism
? Terrorism and tourism
? Tourism and poverty reduction
? Manpower quality and professionalism
? Culture and authenticity in tourism

Located at above 3,000 metres, Shangri-La offers a unique vantage point to contemplate these important tourism issues. Leading scholars and industry practitioners from throughout the world will gather in this unique place; and many of the world’s most significant tourism organizations will participate as well. Several white papers will be produced as a result of the presentations and subsequent deliberations.

James Hilton’s book published in 1933, Lost Horizon, fascinated many about the existence of Shangri-La and inspired Frank Capra’s 1937 great movie of the same name. Now you can really find Shangri-La and it’s no more a lost horizon, but tucked away in China’s Yunnan Province near the boundary with Tibet. It’s a beautiful mountain area rich with Tibetan culture and culinary treats that are unique to this area.