The Epic Stays Hybrid Conference was successfully hosted on 10th November 2025, bringing together over 80 attendees from more than 10 countries across Europe. The conference gathered experts, practitioners, students, businesses, tourism professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders with a shared interest in alternative and innovative tourism accommodation. The event created a collaborative and engaging space where participants explored how novel and unusual places to stay can contribute to sustainable tourism development across Europe. Attendees heard first-hand stories from accommodation pioneers who have developed distinctive tourism experiences in diverse contexts, from rural villages to heritage and nature-based sites.
Throughout the conference, speakers showcased a range of inspiring accommodation models, including the albergo diffuso concept in Italy, crane houses in the Netherlands, converted schools in Iceland, and Ireland’s enchanting treehouses. Discussions focused on how these approaches can be adapted to different regions and environments while remaining authentic, sustainable, and locally integrated. Each speaker delivered a concise 10–15 minute presentation, sharing insights into their properties, development journeys, and expertise in creating memorable and responsible tourism stays.
These accommodations and initiatives reflected the project’s mission to promote sustainable, authentic, and locally embedded tourism, demonstrating how rural and heritage sites can play a vital role in shaping the future of alternative tourism in Europe. The conference concluded with a strong sense of shared learning, inspiration, and cross-border collaboration, reinforcing the value of innovative accommodation models in building resilient and meaningful tourism experiences.
The EPIC STAYS European Conference brought together inspiring accommodation providers, researchers, and regional tourism leaders from across Europe to explore innovative, sustainable, and place-based approaches to alternative accommodation.
Through a series of recorded presentations, speakers shared real-world experiences and practical insights into heritage reuse, rural regeneration, cooperative models, nature-based stays, and transformative tourism.
Together, these contributions highlight how alternative accommodation can support local communities, protect cultural and natural heritage, and create meaningful, high-quality experiences for today’s conscious travellers.
Presentation Focus: Integrating Heritage, Nature and Local Identity through Tourism
Tara presented on sustainable tourism initiatives in the Kozjansko region, with a focus on Podsreda Castle and its surrounding landscapes. Her talk highlighted how heritage conservation, natural park management and alternative accommodations can coalesce to cultivate meaningful visitor experiences, stimulate rural economies, and preserve cultural values.
Presentation Focus: Transforming Heritage into Hospitality
Bonnie shared a compelling story of creative reuse — how she transformed a former historic church in Jirnsum, Friesland into a warm and inviting B&B. Her presentation focused on the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, balancing conservation, functionality, and unique guest experience. Bonnie’s insights are valuable for rural and heritage-focused entrepreneurs exploring how to preserve local identity while innovating with place-based tourism offerings.
Presentation Focus: Nature-Centric Accommodation & Regenerative Hospitality
Mary spoke about her journey with Burren Nature Sanctuary and the award-winning Wild Cabins Kinvara — minimalist, off-grid cabins nestled within rewilded countryside on the edge of Ireland’s Burren region. She highlighted how nature restoration, biodiversity, and guest wellbeing can be woven into accommodation experiences that support environmental education and slow tourism. Her insights spotlight the potential of regenerative tourism to create meaningful guest engagement while protecting the landscape.
Presentation Focus: Reimagining Rural Hospitality with Heritage and Innovation
Anna Birna brings a deeply rooted Icelandic perspective to rural tourism and cultural preservation. Based at Hotel Blönduós — a heritage property located in the old town of Blönduós — she combines farm life with guest hospitality, demonstrating how traditional rural hotels can evolve into epic stays that honour local heritage while meeting modern traveller expectations. Her talk covered the renovation and rebuilding of this traditional hotel, integrating sustainable rural practices, authentic Icelandic experiences, and community identity into the guest journey.
Presentation Focus: Cooperative Models for Alternative Accommodation Development
Francesco shared insights into community-driven tourism through the lens of Cooperativa Sipario, highlighting cooperative approaches to accommodation. Drawing from Italian case studies like albergo diffuso (scattered village hotels), he discussed collective ownership, shared governance, and cultural embedding — showing how cooperative models can strengthen rural economies while offering authentic stays
Presentation Focus: Tourism, Transformation & Sustainable Behaviour
Konstantin brought an academic and research-driven lens to the conference. He explored how tourism — especially in alternative accommodation settings — can foster personal transformation and pro-environmental behaviour. His talk intertwined theoretical insights with case examples, emphasizing the role of education and reflective travel experiences in shaping sustainable tourism futures.
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