Phuket province has been selected by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) to host its 2026 global conference, scheduled for April 2026, as announced by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) on Thursday.
The GSTC is an international organization that establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism.
These standards aim to guide travel providers, destinations, and policymakers in promoting environmental conservation and cultural integrity while supporting local communities.
On Thursday, council executives gathered in Stockholm, Sweden, to select Phuket as the venue for the 2026 conference.
TCEB, as the central agency advocating for Phuket as the GSTC host, has collaborated with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration, and various local agencies to prepare the southern island for this world-class event.
“Hosting the GSTC 2026 will highlight Phuket’s position as a regional tourism hub and a global center for the sustainable MICE industry,” TCEB said in a statement.
Furthermore, the bureau mentioned that this conference would enhance the visibility of the Andaman economic corridor, which includes the provinces of Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Ranong, Trang, and Satun.
The GSTC 2026, centered on the theme of Regenerative Tourism, is anticipated to draw more than 700 professionals from the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, representing 60 countries worldwide.
This significant event is expected to substantially boost the local economy, with projections estimating revenue generation of approximately 50 million baht.
