Thailand strengthens global leadership in sustainable tourism as GSTC 2026 concludes in Phuket
Published on 24 April 2026
The four-day conference advanced global standards in sustainable hospitality, destination resilience, and visitor management, with GSTC 2027 hosting flag passed to Nassau, The Islands of The Bahamas
Phuket, 24 April 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with strategic partners, successfully concluded the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) 2026 in Phuket from 21 to 24 April 2026. The event reinforced Thailand’s role as a proactive contributor to the international sustainability agenda, demonstrating the strength of the country’s unified cross-sector tourism effort spanning national and local government, the MICE industry, and civil society.
The conference was officially opened on 22 April by Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, together with Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, and Mr. Luigi Cabrini, Chair of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. The Farewell Dinner on 23 April marked the handover of the GSTC 2027 hosting flag to Nassau, The Islands of The Bahamas, followed by post-conference tours on 24 April highlighting Phuket’s social regeneration, marine livelihoods, urban heritage, human–wildlife coexistence, and community stewardship.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “The successful conclusion of GSTC 2026 in Phuket marks a defining moment for Thailand’s sustainable tourism journey. This conference demonstrated that Thailand not only hosted a world-class international event but led meaningful conversations shaping the industry’s future. The depth of knowledge exchanged — across hospitality, destination management, and community resilience — strengthens our commitment to value-driven tourism that delivered lasting benefits for destinations and local Thai communities.”
Held at Royal Phuket City Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, and Kata Thani Beach Resort and Spa, the conference welcomed over 660 delegates from 60 countries, including policymakers, international organisations, tourism leaders, academics, and sustainability experts.
The programme focused on three pillars: Sustainable Hospitality, Resilient Cities and Communities, and Carrying Capacity and Visitor Distribution Management. Sessions addressed climate change, visitor dispersion, elephant welfare in tourism, marine conservation through the Green Fins standard, food sourcing and waste reduction, accessibility in hospitality, and sustainability data integration.
Over 60 speakers from across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and beyond contributed to plenary sessions, panel discussions, and workshops.
Delegates also participated in an on-site consultation workshop for the GSTC Destination Standard’s revision and reviewed findings from Phuket’s GSTC Destination Assessment (October 2024–September 2025). This evaluation highlighted advancements in sustainable management, socio-economic impact, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship.
Prior to the main conference, participants joined professional training sessions on 19–20 April covering sustainable tourism, sustainable MICE, and sustainable attractions, alongside auditor training on the GSTC Hotel Standard and GSTC Destination Standard. The 4th GSTC Academic Symposium on 21 April brought together researchers and practitioners to discuss emerging challenges.
The conference programme opened on 21 April with a Welcome Dinner at Blue Elephant Phuket, welcoming global delegates, diplomats, and tourism leaders. Framed by “New Generation Symphony,” the evening featured a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother, alongside contemporary performances, local cuisine, and upcycled showcases, highlighting culture, community, and sustainable tourism.
The four-day event upheld rigorous sustainability practices, including zero single-use plastics, minimal printing, recyclable materials, and fully vegetarian and vegan menus. Organizers calculated and offset the conference’s carbon footprint in partnership with BIC Event and TCEB, pledging to plant one tree per attendee through the Australian social enterprise Reforest.
Recordings of plenary sessions and event photographs are available on the GSTC’s Facebook and YouTube channels, with full session materials forthcoming on the GSTC website.
GSTC 2026 was a joint effort by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, TAT, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Phuket Province, and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation (STDF), reflecting a shared national commitment to advancing sustainable tourism standards aligned with global best practices.