I am honored to have participated as a speaker at the recent Regional Growth Conference #RGC2026, contributing to the Panel Discussion titled “Climate Pact and Sustainable Tourism: From Commitment to Action” under the framework of the EU Climate Pact.

The conference once again brought together distinguished academics, professionals, policymakers, and institutional representatives, creating a valuable platform for dialogue on sustainability, innovation, climate resilience, and regional development.

During the panel discussion, we explored the critical role of sustainable tourism practices and the transition from strategic commitments to tangible actions that can support environmental protection, responsible tourism growth, and long-term regional sustainability. Particular emphasis was placed on the integration of digital technologies, data-driven decision making, and innovative policy approaches in addressing the environmental and economic challenges facing tourism ecosystems.

I also had the opportunity to discuss perspectives related to the use of #ArtificialIntelligence and digital innovation in sustainability-oriented management and strategic planning, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between academia, institutions, and industry stakeholders.

I am especially pleased that students from the Department of Tourism Management and the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the University of Patras attended the conference and actively engaged with the discussions and activities. Their participation in such initiatives is particularly important for strengthening academic knowledge, professional awareness, and active involvement in sustainability and climate-related challenges.

I would like to sincerely thank the organizers of the #RGC2026 conference for the excellent organization and hospitality, as well as all participants for the insightful discussions and exchange of ideas.

#RGC2026 #ClimatePact #SustainableTourism #Sustainability #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalTransformation #Tourism #UniversityOfPatras #Innovation #ClimateAction

Dr. Dimitris C. Gkikas
Lecturer & Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Patras and Hellenic Open University, Greece.