Southeast Asia Information Harbor News (www.dnyxxg.com) Bangkok, March 23, 2026 — The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with its strategic partners, officially announced that Phuket has completed all preparations and will host the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 (GSTC 2026) from April 21 to 24, 2026. The hosting of this international event marks a key step for Thailand in consolidating its dual position as a “leading sustainable tourism destination” and a “reliable international conference hub,” and will create long-term sustainable value for the local community.
Ms. Thapane Kittappur, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), stated, “Hosting GSTC 2026 is a significant milestone in raising industry standards, deepening knowledge exchange, and reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to responsible tourism development. It perfectly aligns with TAT’s core mission of ‘creating world-class sustainable tourism destinations with lasting value.’ We are building an industry ecosystem that promotes both growth and sustainable development through cross-sectoral collaboration, alignment with international standards, and strengthened responsible tourism management.”
The conference preparations received strong support from various parties. Mr. Thirapong Chuaichu, Deputy Governor of Phuket Province, and Mr. Randy Durban, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), jointly attended the press conference to introduce the progress of Thailand’s preparations, highlighting the deep collaboration between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Phuket Province, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation (STDF).
Mr. Thirapong Chuaichu, representing Phuket Province, stated: “Hosting the GSTC 2026 Global Summit is a recognition of Phuket's status as a mature international conference destination. We have established a comprehensive support system involving tourist police, the provincial government, and public health departments, fully covering venue management, tourist safety, and logistical services. Simultaneously, with high-standard environmental management at its core, and considering the well-being of the local community, we ensure the conference is safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly, bringing long-term value to Phuket and Thailand.” It is understood that Phuket Province has been continuously advancing foundational work such as waste management, public space maintenance, and sustainable urban governance, further solidifying its foundation as a high-quality tourist destination.
Mr. Randy Durban expressed his strong approval of the conference's hosting in Phuket: "Phuket occupies an important position in the global tourism landscape. GSTC 2026 provides a crucial platform for global tourism leaders and stakeholders, promoting in-depth knowledge sharing and sustainable practices within the industry."
GSTC 2026 will be held simultaneously at the Royal City Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, and Katatani Beach Resort & Spa in Phuket. With "Sustainable Hotels, Resilient Cities and Communities, Carrying Capacity and Visitor Distribution Management" as its core theme, the conference is expected to attract approximately 600 delegates from over 30 countries, including policymakers, representatives of international organizations, tourism industry leaders, academics, and experts in sustainable development.
The conference will focus on key issues such as carbon reduction pathways, sustainable destination governance, biodiversity conservation, community economic empowerment, and technology-enabled green tourism. The event will adhere to responsible conference principles throughout, implementing zero-waste measures: reducing paper usage through digital solutions, using environmentally friendly materials in construction, and implementing localized value creation projects that meet international sustainability standards.
Industry experts anticipate that GSTC 2026 will bring multiple benefits to Phuket and Thailand: activating the economic cycle brought by international delegates, enhancing the professional capabilities of local tourism operators, and expanding international cooperation networks to support balanced and sustainable regional development. Simultaneously, the conference will further strengthen Thailand's "value-driven tourism" strategy, enhance the destination's resilience, raise industry standards, and help Thailand join the ranks of global leaders in sustainable tourism.
