INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST TOURISM CONFERENCE (IBTC2026)

BUDDHIST HERITAGE & CULTURE

What is Buddhism and what are the mainstream Buddhist cultures, traditions, and practices in Asia and how do they promote our spiritual wellbeing and peace at large. And what does the philosophy of Buddhism mean for modern day travelers in seek of peace and happiness?

The introductory session will focus on highlighting the living heritage and cultural depth of Buddhism and introduce general Buddhist practice including daily rituals and ceremonies in monasteries, morning alms, meditation, festivals etc., and highlighting some aspects of community involvement that enable tourist participation to enhance their experiences.

This foundational session explores the rhythmic pulse of Buddhist life, bridging the gap between ancient philosophy and modern practice. Participants will gain insight into the daily spiritual discipline within monasteries—from dawn alms-giving and ritual chants to the nuances of various meditation traditions. The session will also examine the cultural significance of seasonal festivals and communal ceremonies, providing a holistic framework for understanding Buddhism as a living, breathing heritage.

Speaker: Phra Ajarn Sompong Phorkpoon

Panel Discussion: Joe Cummings (moderator), Lim Kooi Fong, Victor Wee

BUDDHIST ART & ARCHITECTURE

This session will discuss all aspects of Buddhist art and architecture including ancient mural art in caves and open spaces, drawings, paintings, sculptures and Buddha images in monasteries of different eras including collections in museums plus contemporary Buddhist art practiced by modern day artists.

Speaker: Asst Professor Chotima Chanturawong, Silpakorn University (TBC)

Panel Discussion: Chotima Chantaruwong (moderator), Joe Cummings, Axel Bruns

BUDDHIST TOURISM RESOURCES IN ASIA & HOW TO PROMOTE THEM

This session will focus on Buddhist tourism resources in the Asia highlighting all prominent iconic UNESCO inscribed World Heritage monuments from Angkor Wat to Borobudur and exposing the lesser known hidden gems such as Mrauk U in Myanmar, Wat Phou in Laos, Yen Tu in Vietnam, Si Thep in Thailand and Koh Ker in Cambodia.

How do we create specially curated tours to top Buddhist heritage sites in Asia and how to promote them in a sustainable manner? And how to design and engineer programs for Buddhist tourism for a truly meaningful experience internationally, nationally or regionally? How to create Buddhist travel trails and organize sustainable local community travel in areas where prominent and popular Buddhist temples are located?

Speaker: Joe Cummings

Panel Discussion: Joe Cummings (moderator), Victor Wee (Lim Kooi Fong?), Reza Soltani

EXPERIENCE-FOCUS BUDDHIST TOURISM

This session is totally devoted to discussing experience-focus Buddhist tourism for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike and how to promote it to the general public.

For Buddhists travelers, what does it mean to "experience" Buddhism? It dives into the sensory and spiritual elements that define Buddhist culture, mapping out the practitioner's journey, including the merit-making traditions of morning alms, the transformative power of meditation, and the vibrant energy of lunar festivals. And for non-Buddhists, participating in some rituals and festivals and engaging in Walking Meditations using the layout of the stupas or gardens. Explain how the circumambulation (walking around) is a physical metaphor for the path to inner peace are some activities that can be included apart from enjoying viewing the beauty of of temple art and architecture. And finally, how to create Buddhist travel trails in each region of the major Buddhist countries.

Speaker: Axel Bruns

Panel Discussion: Axel Bruns (moderator), Reza Soltani, Thourn Sinan

All day tour to Buddhist attractions in Kedah State and Penang Island:

Morning:

Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum in Kedah state. This tour will be guided by an expert who has insight knowledge of this site.

Kek Lok Si Temple, Dhammikarama (Burmese) Temple, Chaiya Mangalaram (Thai) Temple and Kuan Im Teng (Goddess of Mercy) Temple.