Breda University of Applied Sciences is very proud to host the 18th World Leisure Congress in Breda, the Netherlands. The Congress brings together leisure professionals from academia, industry, and government to discuss, share, and address the latest issues in the domain of leisure in its broadest sense, encompassing tourism, sport, recreation (active and passive, indoor and outdoor), hospitality, media, and events.

The overarching theme of the Congress is ‘Leisure for a Better Society’. This theme refers to the central position that leisure takes in the lives of people worldwide. In modern society, the varieties of leisure constitute prominent platforms for self-expression. Additionally, leisure is an ever-stronger determinant of both individual and collective well-being. Thinking strategically about leisure as a catalyst for promoting well-being and inducing increased social and ecological sustainability is what binds together academics, governments, and industry. Furthermore, addressing these issues in the context of sustainable leisure businesses is of crucial importance to help build a better society.

Apart from an in-depth academic programme, the Congress features an Industry Day, specifically aimed at addressing issues, challenges, and opportunities within the leisure industry. The Industry Day is organized by, with, and for our national and international key industry partners, and is orchestrated by the Dutch National Centre of Expertise on Leisure, Tourism, and Hospitality. It boasts both industry-oriented keynotes and parallel sessions, as well as Technical Tours for in-depth views from different key players in the Dutch leisure industry. Special Industry Day Passes are available for a professional audience that seeks to meet like-minded leisure professionals to address mutual interests.

Delegates will have many opportunities to learn from a wide variety of stakeholders (academics, local and national government, industry, and not-for-profit organisations) about initiatives related to all aspects of leisure.

Breda, and the Netherlands in general, also offer myriad leisure experiences for visitors to the Congress to embrace and learn from. Be it discovering Breda’s charming medieval city centre, visiting nearby Amsterdam, or exploring our country’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

On behalf of the congress organising committee, I look forward to welcoming you to the Netherlands.