PRESENTATION 2026
IN THE FRANCISCAN EIGHTH CENTENARY OF 2026, THE PALAZZO MONTE FRUMENTARIO IN ASSISI IS THE HISTORIC VENUE OF THE 17th EDITION OF THE WORLD TOURISM EVENT. AN EXHIBITION FOR WORLD HERITAGE SITES SCHEDULED ON 24TH AND 25TH SEPTEMBER.
The choice of Assisi, as the location for this World Tourism Event edition, coincides with the celebrations for the eighth centenary of the Trasit of St. Francis. The values that distinguish Franciscan teaching and those promoted and protected by UNESCO largely correspond, starting with peace, the defense of fundamental rights and freedoms, and sustainability. The joint promotion of UNESCO heritage and Franciscan sites will involve promoting cycling routes, hicking trails, natural parks, and small villages, as well as food and wine that are attentive to quality and reflect the region’s identity. This will foster a slow tourism approach that respects the environment and local communities. From Assisi and Umbria, a message of peace, encounter, and sharing will be sent out internationally.
The well-established format of the World Torism Event features:
Exhibition area
The Exhibition area is reserved for all Italian and International World Heritage Sites and for all tourism professionals, including tour operators who want to help their clients get the most from their holidays in a World Heriatge Site Region. The WTE exhibition area will offer information on each World Heritage Site and assist with tourist accommodation offers and communicate with local tourism operators. Free admission to the exhibition for visitors for both days of the WTE.
b2b Workshop
The b2b Workshop has become a key event for operators. The b2b Workshop will take place on 24th September 2026, with two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The workshop is reserved for international buyers, selected in collaboration with ENIT – Italian National Tourism Agency, and for Italian and foreign sellers who are based and operate in the areas included in the Unesco World Heritage List. Including all who intend to promote the territory, accommodation and cultural experiences of these areas.
Events and Experiences Area
One of the most exciting aspects of this next edition is the “Events and Experiences Area”. It is a place that we have created where professionals can bring their culture directly to the people. It remains always open and here you might find demonstrations (cooking demonstration, craft, performances), lectures or book presentations on the unique architecture or landscape or authentic and profound slow travel experiences.
It is an ever-evolving space for learning that brings a personal experience directly to the event participants. And, it is all free with admission for all three days of the WTE.
Specific focus will be on education in local schools, to help raise awareness in the next generation for the protection of Unesco treasures, offering new opportunities to grow and work.
The World Tourism Event for 2026 offers itself as a privileged showcase both for exibithors who intend to promote the tourist offer in World Heritage Sites as well as for the attentive travelers who find ideas, proposals and information for a rich, responsible and sustainable holiday. It is an unmissable opportunity for synergistic meeting between supply and demand operators. It offers a place where people can interact and exchange ideas that better serve the preservation of all Heritage Sites and where professionals can meet and enrich the tourist experience.
The World Tourism Event 2026 will be held thanks to the collaboration and contribution of the Region Umbria, of the Municipality of Assisi. The event enjoys the patronage of the Ministry for Culture, of the Ministry for Tourism, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ICOMOS Italia (Italian National Commitee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites) as well as the collaboration and official recognition of the National Tourism Agency ENIT and of the Association of Italian World Heritage Sites (AIBPM), and the patronage of the European Federation of Unesco Clubs – FEACU and of the Italian Federation of Unesco Clubs FICLU.
REGISTRATION FORM
