First World Conference on Space Tourism

August 11, 2008 at 3:47 pm | Posted in Etc. | 1 Comment

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

The World Tourism Organization will hold the First World Conference on Space Tourism in Strasbourg, France, November 4-6, 2008.

From the program:

Space: a new dimension of world tourism?
First world conference on space tourism
Strasbourg, 4 – 5 November 2008

The conference will cover five main themes: three on the afternoon of 5 November and two more the morning of 6 November. The aim is to enter into the substance of the matter starting the first evening and reserve the participation of the astronauts, as a strong argument, for the second day of the conference.

Tuesday, 4 November 2008
2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

1. Tourism and space: the dream as reality
What is “space tourism” and why has this virtual activity been such a success in the media? What is the origin of this concept and what basis is there in experience for proclaiming that tourists will one day float in a plane-rocket and discover earth from its balcony?

2. Space as a new tourist destination: the economic repercussions
Who sees potential in this new activity and what arguments have convinced investors to look into the development of an original form of tourism in space? Where is the business; who are the players and investors? What equipment and environment are necessary?

3. Innovation and research, a world of opportunities. Expected impact and returns here on earth
What is the proposed economic model? On what objectives arguments is it based? What are the expected effects of this new type of activity in terms of innovation, technology and jobs? What environmental constraints need to be considered to gain public and societal acceptance of this new tourism activity from the standpoint of environmental protection, energy economics and climate change? Is space tourism ethical?

Wednesday, 5 November 2008
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
4. The earth viewed from space: people in orbit, or experiencing the extreme
Over the last four decades a handful of men and women have had the privilege of contemplating our planet from an orbiting craft. Their testimony about the nature of this experience and the public’s fascination with extreme travel is essential. Many have become advocates for private access to space.

5. From suborbital tourism to a new realm of travel
Does this new, original and extreme kind of travel foreshadow the advent of a new form of point-to-point” transport? Subsonic, passenger and business travel providing high-speed connections via space…a new future for air travel?

A registration form is available.