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7th World Trails Conference took place in Santiago de Compostela, Spain

The world’s leading trail organizations, trail professionals
and trail enthusiasts gathered between 26 – 30 September 2018.

Reasons to Join the Conference

REASON 1: Great Program of Events

If you work with trails, promote trails, build trails or just love trails, then this international conference is you and is not to be missed.

Our carefully curated program includes:

  • cutting edge trail issues
  • solutions to challenges trails face in multiple countries
  • opportunities to enhance the benefits trails offer communities around the world

Together as trail organizations, government agencies, tourism destinations and trail professionals, we will learn, share and produce insights of relevance to take the trails industry into the future. Register today.

 

REASON 2: Pre-Conference Networking on the Camino Journeys

Join a multi-day pre-conference trail adventure. Walk, Run or Cycle one of the famous Camino routes into Santiago de Compostela to arrive on the same day in time for the start of the conference. This is an amazing networking opportunity.

 

REASON 3: Launch of the World Trails Film Festival

This year we also invite trail enthusiasts who love to bike, ride, walk or run to join us as we celebrate the launch of the inaugural World Trails Film Festival. Progam of films to be announced on 20 August 2018.

Program of Events

Our sessions are designed to create interactive discussions with the aim of seeking longterm sustainable solutions.

SESSION CATEGORIES

  • Trails and Culture, Heritage and Pilgrimage
  • Trails and Tourism, Marketing and Events
  • Trails and Technology
  • Trails, Nature and Protected Areas
  • Trails and Sustainability
  • Trails and Cities

The working language of the conference is English. Plenary sessions will be available simultaneously in English, French and Spanish.

Additional language support in Korean and Japanese.

Program: ENGLISH         Program: SPANISH

Who will be attending?

The conference venue is inside a centuries old palace which all pilgrims arriving in Santiago walk past just before reaching the famous Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. 

A short list of some of the world’s trails that have already confirmed attendance.

  • Great Himalaya Trails (Nepal)
  • American Trails (USA)
  • WWF Brazil (Brazil)
  • Paths of Greece (Greece)
  • Bruce Trail (Canada)
  • Bibbulmun Track (Australia)
  • Love Our Trails (South Africa)
  • Appalachian Trail Conservancy (USA)
  • Jeju Olle (Korea)
  • Many others from China, Chile, New Zealand, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Armenia, Sweden, Norway, Costa Rica and Ireland will be there. 

Message from Conference Hosts in Santiago de Compostela – Galicia, Spain

Santiago de Compostela in Galicia northwestern Spain, is home to the world’s most famous pilgrimage trail  – the Camino de Santiago or Way of St James as it is also known. It is a region of vast natural beauty, rich culture, coastal gems and hidden heritage. 

We are proud to host the 7th World Trails Conference and to be the first country to host it in Europe.

The region of Galicia looks forward to sharing our natural beauty, rich culture and hospitality with delegates from across the world.

We trust you will enjoy the excursions we have planned and that your conference will be one to always remember.

Wishing all delegates a successful conference.

Rafael Sánchez Bargiela
Xacobeo Galicia – Managing Director

A Brief History of the World Trails Conference

What is the World Trails Conference?

Representatives from the world’s trails industry gather to discuss the development and preservation of trails at an international meeting called the “World Trails Conference” (WTC). Through this conference, trail organizations, tourism associations and affiliated outdoor companies, walking associations and trail running events are able to share information and experiences concerning trails.

History of the World Trails Conference

Jeju Olle Foundation hosted the first WTC in October 2010 and all 5 conferences in Jeju Island, Korea. In January 2015, there were approximately 300 participants representing 45 organizations from 18 countries at the 5th WTC. In October 2016, Tottori in Japan hosted a successful 6th World Trails Conference. 

In 2012, the World Trails Network (WTN) Committee was officially formed at the 3rd WTC.  As the world’s first international trails organization the World Trails Network is today registered in Switzerland as a non-profit association working across the globe for the betterment of trails and the advancement of the international trails industry.

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