The southern Thai MICE City of Phuket is ready to elevate its international profile after successfully securing the bids for three major global conferences in 2026.
Supported by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), these events – the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) 2026, InterPride World Conference, and Global Wellness Summit (GWS) 2026 – will position the island as a leader in sustainability, equity, and wellness.
The calendar begins with GSTC 2026 from April 21 to 24 at the Royal Phuket City Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott, followed by the InterPride General Meeting and World Conference 2026 from October 28 to November 1 at Duangjitt Resort and Spa. The year will conclude with GWS 2026 from November 10 to 13, a high-profile gathering supported by the Ministry of Public Health and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The three conferences are expected to attract approximately 2,100 international delegates and generate a combined economic impact of 351.4 million baht (US$11.3 million), while creating 484 local jobs.
TCEB president Supawan Teerarat noted that this achievement reflects Phuket’s capability to decentralise world-class events away from Bangkok and align them with specific regional branding strategies.
The selection of Phuket for these events is rooted in its proactive local networks; for instance, the island is currently partnering with the UNDP to set Sustainable Development targets through 2030 and serves as a pilot city for biodiversity conservation. These credentials were instrumental in securing the GSTC 2026 bid.
Furthermore, the InterPride 2026 hosting is bolstered by Thailand’s landmark equal marriage legislation and ongoing progress in gender recognition laws. Simultaneously, the Global Wellness Summit aligns with a 20-year national strategy to establish Phuket as a premier international medical and wellness hub.
Phuket’s deputy governor, Suwit Phansengiam, noted: “Phuket is using MICE as a key mechanism to drive high-quality economic growth. International conferences generate benefits beyond tourism, spreading value to local businesses and communities. Hosting these major events demonstrates Phuket’s readiness as an international MICE city, enhances the island’s image, attracts investment, and supports sustainable economic growth.
“Phuket will continue developing its MICE industry to create new value for the province and strengthen Thailand’s regional MICE standing.”
