ไทย
Phuket, Thailand – April 22, 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) officially opened the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 (GSTC 2026), marking a significant global platform for the exchange of knowledge and best practices among leaders in sustainable tourism from around the world.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, alongside Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, and Luigi Cabrini, Chair of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The conference takes place from April 21–24, 2026, at Royal Phuket City Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town, aiming to elevate sustainability standards in tourism both in Thailand and internationally, while reinforcing Thailand’s role as a global leader in sustainable tourism.
The Minister of Tourism and Sports stated that the Thai government has placed sustainability at the core of national development, focusing on “value, quality, and long-term sustainability.” This is driven through a sustainable tourism model that promotes low-carbon tourism, community-based tourism, and inclusive economic participation. The strategy emphasizes distributing visitors to secondary cities to reduce overcrowding in major destinations while creating new opportunities for local communities. It also prioritizes quality tourism, longer stays, and value-driven spending, alongside responsible resource management and strengthened disaster preparedness systems in response to rapid global changes.
He added that this conference serves as a vital platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and joint efforts to advance Thailand’s tourism industry in alignment with global sustainability goals.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, highlighted that hosting GSTC 2026 represents another key milestone in Thailand’s journey toward becoming a world-class sustainable tourism destination. The conference aims to elevate tourism standards and practices in pursuit of Net Zero goals, promote inclusive and sustainable growth for local communities, and reaffirm Thailand’s commitment to advancing tourism under international sustainability frameworks.
With over 600 participants from across the globe, the event provides an important platform for inspiration, knowledge exchange, and collaboration to shape a more sustainable future for tourism.
GSTC 2026 is organized through collaboration among the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Phuket Province, and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation (STDF). The conference focuses on promoting sustainable tourism and responsible destination management across three key themes: Sustainable Hospitality, Resilient Cities & Communities, and Carrying Capacity & Visitor Distribution Management—reflecting a balanced approach to economic, social, and environmental development in the tourism industry.
Key highlights of the event include a Welcome Dinner held on April 21, 2026, at Blue Elephant Phuket, where international participants experienced Southern Thai cultural identity alongside traditional performances. The main conference sessions on April 22–23 feature panel discussions and workshops addressing critical issues such as climate change adaptation, post-disaster recovery, balanced tourism growth management, sustainability skill development, hotel waste management, and accessibility in tourism.
Additionally, Post-Conference Tours on April 24 offer participants hands-on learning experiences in Phuket, showcasing sustainable tourism practices in real-world contexts, including community-based tourism, cultural heritage, marine resources, and environmental conservation.
Sustainability has been embedded in every aspect of GSTC 2026 operations, including carbon footprint calculation and offsetting in collaboration with TCEB and BIC Event, reduction of paper and plastic usage, and the adoption of recyclable materials. Furthermore, the event partners with Reforest to plant one tree per participant, contributing to environmental and ecosystem restoration.
TAT expressed confidence that GSTC 2026 will serve not only as an international platform for collaboration but also as a key mechanism to strengthen the capabilities of Thai tourism operators, enhance destination management, and create sustainable value for local communities.
