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Western Australia has secured the hosting of the World Trails Conference in 2026 bringing the prestigious biennial industry event to the southern hemisphere for the first time.

World Trails Conference is a product of the World Trails Network - a global non-profit committed to the sustainability and enjoyment of the world’s trails for all

Under the banner of ‘Trails for the Future: Connection, Culture and Conservation’, the conference will be hosted by Outdoors WA, the peak body for the outdoor industry in Western Australia.

Taking place in Perth from 19th-22nd October 2026, the conference will showcase WA’s world-class trails and tourism destinations, bringing trail experts together who influence trails and nature-based tourism globally.

Up to 600 delegates from 35 different countries are expected to attend, comprising tourism professionals, government policy makers, NGOS, conservationists, and Indigenous leaders to explore the future of trails, nature-based tourism and sustainable land management.

The trails industry drives a significant contribution to economies around the world and is a major employer, with the USA leading the way with US$135 billion in economic value generated through trail-based activities and over 725,000 associated jobs. 

Nature-based tourists are one of the primary target markets for tourism in Western Australia as a high yielding traveller and the conference provides the opportunity to position WA at the forefront of the international trails scene.

Neil Le Febvre, Chief Executive at Outdoors WA notes “Western Australia is home to some of the world’s most stunning and culturally significant trails, with over 1,000 sanctioned trails across the state and 391 within an hour’s drive of Perth.

“That makes us a real trails paradise and internationally we are held in high regard for our strategic coordination across government and community in both our trail development, and our technical prowess.

“We’re excited to bring the best minds in the industry together from around the globe to both experience our world-class trails and inspire our local trails industry to even greater heights by sharing global best practices.”

Conference highlights will include:

• Renowned Keynote Speakers: International and local trail experts sharing insights on trail tourism, technology, trail development, maintenance and management, Indigenous knowledge, and environmental stewardship.
• Immersive Experiences: Guided trail walks, pre-conference tours, and opportunities to explore WA’s iconic landscapes.
• Networking & Knowledge Sharing: Bringing together trail managers, policymakers, researchers, and outdoor industry professionals.
• Sponsorship & Partnerships: Engaging with businesses, tourism operators, and government agencies to strengthen global trail networks.

Call for Participation
Conference organisers invite speakers, sponsors, and attendees from around the world to take part in shaping the future of trails. Early-bird registrations and sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon.

For more information, visit worldtrailsconference.org/ or email conference@worldtrailsnetwork.org.

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