TAT highlights Thai charm to welcome 500 sustainable tourism leaders worldwide for GSTC 2026 meeting in Phuket.
TAT highlights Thai charm to welcome 500 sustainable tourism leaders worldwide for GSTC 2026 meeting in Phuket. — confirmed details at this stage for Phuket readers.
More than 500 sustainable tourism leaders from 55 countries are gathering in Phuket this week for the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 (GSTC 2026), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced. The event, opening April 22, positions Phuket as the main venue and highlights Thailand’s commitment to responsible destination management.
Local Culture and Sustainability in Focus
Delegates attended a welcome dinner at the historic Blue Elephant restaurant, featuring local cuisine and performances by Phuket youth, including a contemporary Thai music ensemble and Khon dance. TAT showcased the “New Generation Symphony: Young Voices, Shaping Tomorrow” theme, emphasizing the creative role of young Thais in preserving cultural heritage.
Exhibits included upcycled products made from marine debris by Live Like a Local and Raksamut Studio, as well as eco-print textiles from Phuket Rajabhat University. Handicrafts from Baan Khian, Yan Sue, and Pak Klok women’s groups were also presented, underlining the conference’s focus on responsible tourism and community income distribution.
GSTC chair Luigi Cabrini noted that 580 participants registered, underscoring the global reach of the event. He highlighted Phuket’s dual challenges of large tourist flows and climate change, and praised the province’s recent destination assessment with GSTC to align local policies with international sustainability standards.
Source: https://www.thansettakij.com/business/tourism/657175
