Call for Papers
ATLAS Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage SIG 5th Expert Conference, 26th-28th June 2013, Malta “The Production and Consumption of the Pilgrimage Tourism Experienceâ€
The ATLAS Religious Tourism Special Interest Group has been invited by the Institution of Tourism Studies , Malta, through its Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies, to organise the above conference. The aim of the conference is to provide both empirical and personal insights into the changing nature of religion in society and to further the debate for both policy-makers and academics to consider these evolving challenges within the future development of faith tourism and pilgrimage.
Deadlines:
Because attendance is generously supported by the local sponsors, numbers are limited. It is envisaged that there will be in the region of
20-25 papers presented with the main emphasis for acceptance being based on adherence to the main theme:
“The Production and Consumption of the Pilgrimage Tourism Experienceâ€
Abstracts of no more than 300 words should be submitted electronically to the organizing committee by 31 January 2013. If you are interested in being invited to attend, or require any further information please do not hesitate to contact the following: Vincent Zammit vincent.zammit@gov.mt Dr. Kevin Griffin kevin.griffin@dit.ie Dr. Razaq Raj R.Raj@leedsmet.ac.uk Prof. Carlos Fernandes cfernandes@estg.ipvc.pt
Publication: This Research Group has a good track-record of publishing papers. To date we have produced 3 special publication volumes in international journals and two ATLAS Books. A number of journals have tentatively expressed interest in the proceedings of this workshop, and the particular focus will be decided once the specific direction of the papers is established. Close adherence to the conference theme will give authors a better chance of being published.
Important Dates:
31.01.13 Abstract Submission Deadline
28.02.13 Notification of Acceptance to Authors
30.04.13 Submit full paper
26-28.06.13 Expert Meeting
Scientific Committee Alan Clarke, University of Pannonia, Hungary Jonathan Edwards, Bournemouth University, UK Carlos Fernandes, Polytechnic of Viana do Castelo, Portugal Kevin Griffin, Dublin Institute of Technology, Dublin, Ireland Maureen Griffiths, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia Frances McGettigan, Athlone Institute of Technology, Ireland Nigel Morpeth, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK Razaq Raj, Leeds Metropolitan University, UK Roger Vaughan, Bournemouth University, UK Vincent Zammit, Institute of Tourism Studies , Malta
Cost: There is no fee for those who are selected to present papers.
Costs will be kept to an absolute minimum circa €150 to cover accommodation (3 nights) and lunch. Subject to demand, there may be a minor fee for those who wish to attend and not present a paper.
Background to Malta
Malta is a Mediterranean Island with remains going back millennia to prehistoric times. UNESCO has placed six of the above ground prehistoric temples on the World Heritage List, some of which are thought to be the oldest free standing buildings in the world. The providential arrival of the Apostle St Paul around 60 AD, introduced Christianity to Malta, and was to help Malta become known as the island of Paul. The attractions of these sites, and the visits paid by visitors throughout time, have led some to describe Malta as the Central Mediterranean holy island. The Knights of the Order of St John tried their best to increase this religious interest in Malta, as they tried to create a pilgrimage route to Malta, by supporting the creation of the cult of St Paul. Today, there are many sites, traditions and legends that are connected with this cult.
The Maltese islands were home to the Religious Military Order of St John (now better known as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta) from 1530 to 1798, and this led to an increase in religious manifestations, especially during the Baroque period. Today, the many parish churches are lavishly decorated, well kept, and a good portion of parishioners are highly involved in the organisation of the annual feast to their patron saint.
The islands of Malta are a veritable showcase of religious traditions.
Visit the following sites for further information:
The official website of the Malta Tourism Authority:
https://www.new.visitmalta.com/
The website of the Institution of Tourism Studies: https://www.its.edu.mt/
Location of Workshop:
The Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies was set up to organise talks, exhibitions and other cultural related activities for tourism students as well as for the general public. The Centre forms part of the Institute of Tourism Studies, the only post-secondary Institution in Malta that prepares
the future workforce for the important Tourism industry in Malta. During its brief time since established, the Centre has organised art exhibitions, public talks, thematic cultural walks, and has hosted foreign experts to give talks to students and academic staff as well as the general public.
The workshop will be held on the premises of the Institute, at St George’s Bay, St Julians where all the lecture rooms are well equipped.
Access / Transfers:
Malta is well connected by air from all the major airports of Europe.
Many budget airlines fly to Malta, while all the major airlines provide scheduled flights to the island.
Accommodation Details:
Accommodation is being offered to delegates at a Franciscan run retreat house, close to the ITS. Alternative accommodation can also be organised on request.
Please contact the organising committee for any further details.
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