Phuket governor presents sustainable tourism plan at Jeju forum
Governor Chodnarin Kerdsom outlined a three-part plan focused on infrastructure, local skills and wellness tourism at the 27th ITOP Forum in South Korea.
Phuket Governor Chodnarin Kerdsom presented a plan to develop the island as a sustainable tourism model at an international forum in Jeju, South Korea, on 28 October 2026.
The presentation, titled “Phuket: Leaping Forward for Global Island Tourism”, was delivered during the leaders’ roundtable at the 27th International Island Tourism Organization (ITOP) Forum 2026. The forum is being held at Jeju Stone Park in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province from 28-30 October.
According to a report by the Phuket branch of Thailand’s Public Relations Department, the proposal is a “Regenerative Blueprint” intended to balance tourism growth with environmental protection and residents’ quality of life.
The plan has three main priorities: improving infrastructure and public utilities, strengthening local skills and communities, and establishing Phuket as an international wellness destination.
Infrastructure measures would cover transport, water and energy management, waste disposal and coastal protection. The plan also proposes language and digital-skills training for tourism workers, along with more environmentally responsible service practices.
Community-based tourism is intended to spread tourism revenue more widely among local businesses and give residents a greater role in tourism development. The wellness strategy would combine medical services, traditional spa practices, cultural heritage and natural resources to attract visitors seeking higher-quality experiences.
Chodnarin also proposed an ITOP Inter-Island Working Group on Infrastructure and Wellness. The group would allow member destinations to share expertise in workforce development, green technology and wellness tourism standards.
Phuket’s participation also included a performance of Khon, Thailand’s traditional masked dance-drama, by Kindergarten 3 students from Phuket Municipality Kindergarten School. The five-year-old performers presented the work to the international audience, according to the PR Phuket report.
