This international academic, networking, policymaking, outreach, and public engagement event celebrates the one-of-a-kind collaboration between the University of Nottingham and the Dimos (Municipality) of Sparti.

The aim of this event is two-fold:
1. To bring academics and professionals from the fields of archaeology, ancient history, reception studies, constitutional studies, and public law, and marketing and tourism in a meaningful and impactful conversation with local policy-makers and stakeholders in the city of Sparti and in southern Greece, not least the City Council of Sparti, politicians, heritage and tourism governmental bodies and specialists, local associations and the broader community, in order to inform and support the City of Sparti’s place-based policy and strategy in securing long-term cultural and touristic benefits for the city.
2. To bring scholars, ECRs, and professionals from the aforementioned fields in a global and interdisciplinary dialogue on the current state of research on ancient Sparta and its territory Laconia, and on ways to move the field forward, with sessions focusing primarily on:
(a) Spartan tradition in the 21st century
(b) The Ancient Spartan Constitution II: Lessons for Modern Politics and International Relations
(c) Sparta and Laconia, Cultural Heritage and Green Tourism
In order to achieve the aims and objectives of this international event we have assembled a combination of leading scholars and outstanding early career researchers from the fields of history, archaeology, reception studies, politics and constitutional law, marketing and tourism, politicians and professionals from the UK, Greece, Austria, Italy, France, the USA, Canada, Brazil, New Zealand and Pakistan.



Fotis Pantopoulos (Educator – Researcher – Strategic Communication Consultant)
“Sparta: Pioneering Green Tourism and the Role of Strategic Communication in Spreading the Vision” (The speech is in the Greek language)
The aim of this presentation is to explore how Sparta, rich in history and culture, could embrace sustainability and pioneer green tourism practices, and how Strategic Communication could play a critical and decisive role in the dissemination of Sparta’s vision for green tourism. To this end, it is proposed that the city’s policymakers could employ various communication channels to raise awareness of its sustainability initiatives and to enhance engagement with tourists and stakeholders. A Strategic Communication plan could ensure that these communication channels represent the same consistent and unified “voice”. In this way, the city of Sparti will effectively communicate its commitment to green tourism, highlighting the benefits of sustainable practices, showcasing success stories, and involving local communities in the decision–making process. Strategic Communication will help create a positive image of Sparti as a pioneer in green tourism, attracting tourists who value sustainability and environmental conservation, resulting in revenue generation and empowerment of the local community. Sparti’s “journey” to pioneering green tourism and the role of Strategic Communication in spreading this vision will become a remarkable example of how a destination can embrace sustainability and create a positive impact on its environment, society, and economy. Similarly, with the appropriate promotion tools this experience of Sparti could inspire other destinations to follow similar practices to create a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry in the modern era.