Thailand to Host GSTC 2026 in Phuket, Showcasing Thailand’s Leadership in Sustainable Tourism

Bangkok, March 23, 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has officially announced its readiness to host the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 (GSTC 2026), a premier global event on sustainable tourism, scheduled to take place from April 21–24, 2026, in Phuket, Thailand.

 

Thailand was selected as the host destination in collaboration with key tourism partners, including the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Phuket Province, and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, aiming to position Thailand as a leading global destination for sustainable tourism.

 

 

The press conference was attended by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT; Mr. Teerapong Chuaychu, Vice Governor of Phuket; and Mr. Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), held at TAT Headquarters in Bangkok.

 

Ms. Thapanee stated that GSTC 2026 will be held at the Royal Phuket City Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, organized by GSTC an international organization that establishes global standards for sustainable tourism across hotels, destinations, and attractions worldwide.

 

She emphasized that the conference aligns with TAT’s strategic vision to transform Thailand into a “Sustainable Tourism Destination”, focusing on delivering “value over volume” while ensuring balanced tourism management. The GSTC conference will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, tourism operators, civil society networks, and sustainability experts from around the world to exchange knowledge and best practices, reinforcing Thailand’s leadership role in sustainable tourism on the global stage.

 

 

Mr. Teerapong Chuaychu, Vice Governor of Phuket, expressed his pride that Phuket has been selected as the host city for such a significant international conference. This reflects strong global confidence in Thailand’s sustainable tourism potential and Phuket’s readiness as an international MICE destination. He highlighted Phuket’s strengths in infrastructure, transportation, world-class venues, accommodation standards, and strong collaboration among public, private, and community sectors in advancing sustainable tourism development.

 

 

Mr. Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, stated that GSTC is delighted to host the 2026 conference in Phuket one of the world’s most renowned travel destinations. The event will convene global tourism leaders and stakeholders to exchange perspectives, knowledge, and sustainable practices across the tourism industry.

 

The conference is expected to attract approximately 700 participants from 30–50 countries worldwide, focusing on three key themes:

• Sustainable Hospitality
• Resilient Cities & Communities
• Carrying Capacity & Visitor Distribution Management

 

These themes reflect the direction of the tourism industry toward balancing economic growth, community resilience, and responsible resource and visitor management.

 

In addition, GSTC 2026 will be organized with a strong commitment to sustainability principles, including Zero Waste practices, the use of digital technologies to reduce paper consumption, eco-friendly materials and signage, and community value creation—serving as a model for internationally recognized sustainable event management.

 

 

Hosting GSTC 2026 underscores global confidence in Thailand’s readiness to lead in sustainable tourism and its capability as a world-class conference destination. TAT also expects the event to serve as a key mechanism for transferring global knowledge and standards to Thai tourism operators, enhancing destination management capabilities, upgrading hotels and attractions to international sustainability standards, and generating economic benefits for Phuket and nearby areas.

 

The conference is also anticipated to stimulate local economies through spending on accommodation, transportation, food, and tourism services, while strengthening international partnerships ultimately contributing to balanced and sustainable long-term economic development.

 

For more information and registration, please visit:
https://www.gstc.org/gstc2026phuket/

Source : 

Tourism Authority of Thailand