About the World Trails Conference
The World Trails Conference is a global gathering of trail experts, trail managers and builders, trail destinations, enthusiasts and academics, who meet every two years to share knowledge, network and ensure the benefits trails offer society continue to be sustainable and supported around the world.
Now Seeking: Requests for Proposals for 2024 & 2026 World Trails Conferences.
The World Trails Conference Steering Committee has created a Guide for Applicants (PDF) to outline the application and selection process for hosts for the next two World Trails Conferences. This process is open to all Organizational Members of the World Trails Network and may also be jointly submitted by organizations working in partnership to host the World Trails Conference.
Email conference [at] worldtrailsnetwork.org to request the World Trail Conference Guide for Applicants.
Timeline for Host Selection Process
December 2022: Application Information Available
January 31, 2023: Deadline for Proposals
February 2023: Any further information gathered for decision making
March 2023: Decision made, confirmed with a deposit
“I have never been to a conference that had so many follow-up collaborations.
This conference is a must for trail professionals and enthusiasts alike.
I established incredibly meaningful connections.“
– Rigas Zafeiriou, Attendee at the 7th World Trails Conference,
Santiago de Compostela – 2018
Conference Programme
Final conference programme is now published: 24 September 2022.
If you have downloaded it before – please download again, as there have been important changes.
Click here or on the image to download the full detailed programme and all session details in a PDF document.
Important Dates to Note
Full Schedule of Events 18 Sept – 1 Oct 2022
Trail Journeys, Film Festival, Workshops, etc.
18 – 25 Sept 2022 – Pre-Conference Trail Journeys
23 – 25 September 2022 – Young Trail Ambassadors Gathering
26 – 30 September 2022 – 8th World Trails Conference
29 September 2022 – World Trails Film Festival Premiere
30 September 2022 – World Trails Network General Assembly
30 September 2022 – Skiathos Trail Excursions
30 Sept – 1 Oct 2022 – Workshops & Green Flag Trails Training
118 International Speakers from 6 Continents
Share their insights and research, their projects and enthusiasm for trails.
Learn from trail builders, designers, planners or marketing experts, volunteers, guides or those who lead community trail initiatives in interactive forums where you too can share your knowledge and expertise with others.
We have convened dynamic thought-leaders, experts and equally inspiring enthusiasts with relevant insights and case studies to ignite action and networking across the trail space. Read more about our speakers here.
Conference Hosts
Making it possible.
Trail Journeys
Our trail journeys are the perfect way to explore our host destination and build lasting connections with other trail experts. Journeys take place before the conference proceedings. Itineraries and costs to be published by 20 April 2022. Read more. . .
DATES: 18 – 25 September 2022
Trail Ambassadors Summit
We have a dedicated team of World Trails Ambassadors – Emerging Leaders, who will gather prior to the conference from 23 – 25 September 2022. This is a unique opportunity for young people starting out in trails who wish to support trails in their region.
DATES: 23 – 25 September 2022
Trails Film Festival Premiere
The World Trails Film Festival – Trails Film is the only festival of its kind focused on telling unique trail stories, from history to adventure, from slow travel to inspirational journeys. We focus on cultural diversity. Submit your films for entry here.
DATES: 29 September 2022
Trail Flags – Opening Ceremony
This year every trail organization attending is invited to fly their own custom-designed trail flag at the opening ceremony. Fly your flag at your trail headquarters on return home. Order your flag by 1 July 2022 here.
DATES: 26 September 2022
Islands & Trails – Special Session
We anticipate 25 different island destinations that have trails to join the conference, to learn from each other and share best practices in promoting and marketing trails on islands. Make sure your island is represented.
DATE: 26 September 2022
Trails Poster Exhibition
Trails are invited to exhibit posters and promotional materials.
For those trails taking part in the virtual programme, video and pre-recorded presentation slots are available. Apply here.
DATES: 26 – 30 September 2022
Conference Source Book
This special publication is an opportunity to share insights or a summary of your presentation with all attendees or to advertise your trail or trail products to a global audience. Apply here to advertise.
DATES: 26 September 2022
Trail Excursions on Skiathos
Various local trails and adventures are offered during the conference.
Choose from a variety of short day trails in the region. Read more about the Skiathos Trails here.
DATES: 29 September 2022
Green Flag Trails Workshop
Learn about the International Green Flag Trails assessment and accreditation system that is being used to enhance the quality of trails in the host destination and other countries. This is a 2-day training workshop.
DATES: 30 Sept – 1 Oct 2022
Sign-up for an Unforgettable Trail Journey!
These journeys have been designed specifically to unlock deep networking, powerful insights and memorable experiences in small groups.
There are 3 trails to choose from with slightly different themes taking place between 18 – 25 September, in different regions of Greece.
Make the most of your trip to Greece by exploring its beautiful trails. These journeys are lead by members of the World Trails Network Task Teams and each journey will explore specific themes.
ABOUT THE WORLD TRAILS NETWORK
The World Trails Network is a global non-profit association committed to the sustainability and enjoyment of the world’s trails for all people, through a powerfully engaged international network of organizations and individuals.
Expected conference attendees include:
- Appalachian Trail, USA
- Camino de Santiago, Spain
- South West Coast Path, UK
- Jeju Olle Trail, Korea
- HikeArmenia, Armenia
- Sendero Pacifico, Costa Rica
- Trans Canada Trail, Canada
- Cultural Routes Turkey, Turkey
- Westfjord Trails, Iceland
- Lebanon Mountain Trail, Lebanon
- Bruce Trail, Canada
- Trans Carioca, Brazil
- Bibbulmun Track, Australia
plus many other well-known trails from the Americas, Europe,
Asia, Middle East and Africa.
The hospitality of the Skiathos Municipality and our sponsors in Greece and beyond, make this conference possible.
We believe the impact of the 8th World Trails Conference will be felt globally and on the ground for trails, through in-depth knowledge sharing, creative collaboration and international networking.
– Galeo Saintz, International Chair
World Trails Network