Insights and Connections at the 34th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research

 (Text & Photos: Jessie Chen)

 In October 2026, I had the opportunity to participate in the 34th Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research with the support of a travel grant. The symposium brought together researchers, doctoral students, and academics from across the Nordic countries and beyond, creating an inspiring environment for discussing current developments in tourism and hospitality research.

As a doctoral researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, I presented my ongoing research project,"Health Risk Perception in Tourism: Exploring AI Technology Adoption of Diabetic Travellers". My study examines how people living with diabetes perceive and manage health risks while travelling and explores how artificial intelligence technologies may support safer and more inclusive travel experiences. The project is based on semi-structured interviews with diabetic travellers and focuses on the relationship between risk perception, travel behaviour, and technology use. 

During the session, I introduced some preliminary findings from the study. The interviews suggest that diabetic travellers differ considerably in how they perceive travel-related health risks. While some travellers feel highly confident in managing their condition, others may underestimate potential risks due to limited awareness of their disease. The findings also indicate that travel-related risks extend beyond medical concerns and include practical, psychological, and social dimensions. Furthermore, technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring systems and mobile applications appear to influence not only health management practices but also how travellers perceive and understand risks. 

Presenting at the symposium was a valuable experience. The discussions following my presentation provided constructive feedback that will help refine both the theoretical framework and the next stages of data collection and analysis. It was encouraging to see growing interest among tourism researchers in issues related to health, accessibility, well-being, and the role of emerging technologies in supporting travellers with chronic conditions.

Beyond presenting my own research, one of the most rewarding aspects of the symposium was the opportunity to meet researchers and professors working in a variety of tourism-related fields. Informal conversations during sessions, coffee breaks, and networking events led to several promising new connections. These exchanges opened possibilities for future academic cooperation, including potential research collaborations and opportunities to share expertise across institutions. 

 

For doctoral researchers, conferences such as the Nordic Symposium are much more than venues for presenting research results. They provide opportunities to receive feedback, develop scholarly networks, discover new perspectives, and become part of wider academic communities. I returned from the symposium with valuable insights, renewed motivation, and several exciting contacts that may support future research endeavors.

I would like to thank the association for providing the travel grant that made my participation possible. The experience was professionally enriching and represents an important step in my doctoral journey.

Jessie Chen
Doctoral Researcher
Tourism Marketing and Management
University of Eastern Finland