Held from Apr 21-24, the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) brought together more than 500 delegates from over 50 countries, positioning Phuket once again at the centre of global efforts to drive standards-based sustainability across the tourism industry.
The conference formally concluded with a farewell dinner at the Kata Thani Phuket Beach Resort last night, attended by Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsithavorn and international delegates.
During the closing ceremony, organisers confirmed that the Bahamas will host GSTC 2027, with a representative from the country’s Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Innovation extending an official invitation to participants worldwide. The announcement was warmly received, with Bahamian officials expressing readiness to welcome the global tourism community in May next year.
Summarising the outcomes of the Phuket conference, Dr Kelly Recart highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration among researchers, policymakers and industry practitioners to advance sustainable tourism in concrete ways.
She noted that the event underscored the strength of global cooperation in shaping a tourism industry that balances economic growth with the protection of culture, local communities and the environment.
Representatives also praised Thailand ‒ particularly Phuket ‒ for hosting the event, citing the island’s ability to showcase itself as a world-class destination while demonstrating practical approaches to sustainable development, from event management to hospitality.
The conference focused on translating “green goals” into operational standards across the tourism sector, targeting hotels, tour operators, destinations and small businesses. Key themes included sustainable hospitality, resilient cities and communities, and managing visitor capacity.
Workshops and seminars over the two days addressed issues such as climate adaptation, disaster recovery, balanced tourism growth, sustainability skills development and waste management in hotels, alongside improving accessibility to tourist destinations.
The event will conclude fully today (Apr 24) with post-conference field trips across Phuket, allowing delegates to observe sustainable tourism practices in real-world settings, including community-based, cultural and marine initiatives.
Organised through collaboration between the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Phuket Province and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, the conference also incorporated carbon reduction measures and a tree-planting initiative aimed at environmental restoration.
Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Panjaroenvorakul, who presided over the opening ceremony on Wednesday (Apr 22), reiterated the government’s commitment to shifting Thailand’s tourism model towards quality, low-carbon growth and broader income distribution to local communities.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatpaiboon added that hosting GSTC 2026 reinforces Thailand’s ambition to position itself as a global leader in sustainable tourism, with the event serving as a key platform for knowledge exchange and international cooperation.
Phuket’s selection as host destination was widely seen as recognition of its ongoing efforts in environmental management and community engagement, aligning with GSTC principles and helping strengthen Thailand’s image as a “model city for sustainable tourism”.
As delegates prepare to depart, many expressed optimism that the partnerships and ideas developed in Phuket will continue to shape a more balanced and sustainable future for global tourism ‒ before reconvening in the Bahamas in 2027.