Phuket secures the bid to host the 2026 Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC 2026) conference, aligning with its agenda to transform into a global sustainable tourism destination by 2027.
Scheduled to happen in April 2026 under the theme of Regenerative Tourism, more than 700 tourism experts from 60 countries are expected to attend, generating over 50 million baht in revenue in the process.
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau spearheaded the bidding process, collaborating with key stakeholders including Phuket Province, the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation (STDF), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration.
Bhummikitti Raktaengam, president of STDF, emphasised the foundation’s commitment to advancing sustainable tourism practices in Thailand through practical initiatives. This includes implementing a strategic master plan that fosters collaboration between the tourism industry and the public sector, focusing on reducing carbon dioxide emissions, implementing proper waste management, and preparing the tourism sector to address challenges posed by global climate change.
Hosting the GSTC 2026 conference marks the commencement of Phuket, the Andaman region, and Thailand’s journey towards sustainable tourism.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT governor, further emphasised the significance of hosting GSTC 2026 in showcasing Thailand’s dedication to environmental conservation and protection on a global stage. This initiative is poised to enhance the country’s tourism image and bolster confidence among travellers, particularly “high-quality tourists” from Europe, America, Australia, and Asia.
