Phuket to host event on sustainable tourism
Phuket has been selected to host a globally renowned conference focused on sustainable tourism that organisers claim can contribute significantly to the island’s reputation as a leading tourism and business hub.
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) announced on Apr 25 that the Global Sustainable Tourism Council had selected Phuket to host the next Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) in 2026.
The decision to select Phuket was made and announced at the recent GSTC 2024 Global Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, which ran from Apr 23-26.
Themed “Regenerative Tourism”, GSTC 2026 is scheduled to take place in April 2026, with specific dates yet to be announced. The event is expected to attract over 700 attendees from more than 60 countries and to generate over B50 million in revenue. Attendees will typically be from state authorities, hotels, tourism companies, online travel agencies, educational institutions, development organisations, non-governmental organisations and other sectors.
TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya shared his delight at the decision, explaining that the event can further demonstrate the island’s standing as an international hub of sustainable tourism and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
Furthermore, the event can boost the profile of the Andaman economic corridor, comprising the neighbouring provinces of Krabi, Phang Nga, Ranong, Trang and Satun.
Mr Chiruit added that TCEB has been collaborating closely with public sector departments in Phuket Province, in addition to the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation (STDF), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA).
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat thanked all organisations involved in supporting Phuket’s bid to host the event, adding that it is an occasion that can help put Phuket on the global stage.
It also contributes positively to the province’s goal of achieving sustainable tourism standards by 2027 which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through effective waste management and carbon dioxide policies, Governor Sophon added.
“Phuket Province is ready to be the host of GSTC 2026,” Governor Sophon said.
“With our current available infrastructure including airport, hotels and other global standard facilities, and our unique local culture identity, we are ready to welcome GSTC members and attendees from around the world to Phuket,” he added.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool further explained that hosting GSTC 2026 will demonstrate to the world that Thailand is a strong advocate of environmental conservation and protection, which will install confidence in visitors to the country and appeal particularly to “high quality tourists” from Europe, America, Australia and the quality groups from Asia, the main target groups for TAT.