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Bangkok, Thailand, May 3, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Indulge in rich, comforting flavours with the latest Plate of the Month, “Braised Grouper with Preserved Mustard Greens in Clay Pot.” Thoughtfully crafted to bring warmth and depth of taste, this hearty dish showcases tender grouper gently braised with preserved mustard greens, creating a perfect harmony of savoury, tangy, and subtly spiced notes.

Served hot in a traditional clay pot, the dish locks in its aromatic essence while enhancing the natural sweetness of the fish. The preserved mustard greens add a distinctive depth of flavour, balancing the richness with a pleasant tang and a hint of spice that lingers on the palate.

Paired with fragrant steamed jasmine rice, this comforting creation is ideal for those seeking a satisfying and soulful dining experience—whether for a leisurely lunch or a cosy dinner.

Available at Plate Restaurant from 1 May to 30 June 2026

THB 480++ per dish

Enjoy 20% savings when paired with the Beverages of the Month.

For more information or reservations, please contact us at 02 090 7888

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 02, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / A new study explores the rising appeal of small ship cruising amid growing demand for more immersive, experience-led travel. Offering exclusive journeys aboard vessels carrying fewer than 1,000 passengers, small ship cruises are well-positioned to benefit from this shift. The opportunity is already evident in capacity growth, which has outpaced the broader cruise industry over the past decade.

As travelers increasingly prioritize more immersive trips, small ship cruising is emerging as a natural fit. Today’s travelers place a premium on meaningful destination engagement, deeper connections to culture and nature, expert-led enrichment, and more personal, intimate experiences onboard.

New research from Tourism Economics, in partnership with Travelzoo, published in their ground-breaking Small Ships, Big Opportunities Study, shows that travelers are prioritizing opportunities for learning and immersive activities. This aligns directly with the sector’s core strengths, where expert-led experiences and authentic shore excursions are central to the proposition.

Among consumers interested in small ship cruising across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany, the itinerary stands out as the single most important booking driver, with more than 70% rating it as very important. Travelers showed the strongest interest in culture- and history-focused voyages, with nature and wildlife, as well as wellness and relaxation, also emerging as key elements of the ideal cruise experience.

The findings also point to a clear preference for depth over pace: 65% of respondents say longer stays enhance enjoyment, while 67% are drawn to cruises that allow them to experience destinations’ evening economies. Notably, while iconic destinations remain attractive, more than half of travelers believe small ships are better suited to exploring less-visited, unspoiled locations. This reinforces their role in enabling differentiated travel experiences.

Onboard experience is equally critical. High-quality food and beverage is cited by nearly 40% of the 6,000 travelers surveyed as the most appealing feature of small ship cruises. This is followed by access to remote destinations, unique destination experiences, and the intimate atmosphere, each highlighted by roughly 30% of respondents.

“What stands out in this research is how closely traveler preferences align with what small ship cruising does best,” said Elizabeth Persons, Head of Business Development at Travelzoo. “The appeal extends beyond traditional notions of luxury, it’s about experiencing destinations in a more meaningful and distinctive way.”

For cruise brands, the opportunity is clear. While interest in small ship cruising is high, conversion still lags awareness. Cost remains the primary barrier for many prospective travelers, indicating that the perceived value of the experience is not yet fully understood. The challenge, and opportunity, is not just to sell the product, but to more effectively communicate its differentiated value.

“This research highlights three key levers that set the small ship sector apart: the quality of the product, access to unique places, and the highly personalized, expert service delivered,” said Sean Morgan, Head of Travel Industry Research at Tourism Economics. “As awareness and familiarity grow, so too does intent to book, positioning the sector to capture significant growth in an era defined by personalization and experience-led travel.”

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Bangkok, Thailand, May 02, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Raimon Land Public Company Limited (RML), Thailand’s leading developer of luxury and ultra-luxury real estate, announces a new signing with Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, to introduce SLS Residences Phuket Kamala, an ultra-luxury standalone branded residential project on Phuket’s prestigious Millionaire’s Mile.

SLS Residences Phuket, expected to welcome residents in 2029, will be set along Kamala’s dramatic coastline — a stretch renowned for its elevation, privacy, and uninterrupted panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. The project will feature 13 ultra-exclusive branded villas, conceptually designed by internationally acclaimed architects, typically with 2,200 sqm of indoor and outdoor space, priced from USD 6.9 million*. A signature clubhouse will anchor the property as a vibrant social hub for residents, blending elevated lounge spaces with a curated food and beverage offering, including a restaurant and a terrace bar. This is complemented by a resort-style pool and wellness amenities, including a spa and fitness space, designed to balance high-impact workouts with idyllic indulgence.

Renowned for its distinctive blend of bold, lavish design and vibrant energy, SLS redefines modern luxury living, infusing breathtaking experiences with signature mischievous wit and a playful ambience. From immersive dining concepts to dynamic social spaces, the debut of SLS Residences in Phuket is set to transform the island’s high-end real estate scene, offering a new standard of branded living informed by curated hospitality services and enviable residential amenities that resonate with global high-net-worth buyers. Inspired by its striking natural surroundings, the project adopts a design-led approach that seamlessly integrates architecture with the landscape, creating a spectacular backdrop for the extraordinary to unfold. This also establishes a distinctive standalone residential offering under the SLS brand.

“This partnership represents an exciting step forward for Raimon Land as we continue to expand our branded residential portfolio. Phuket remains one of the most desirable destinations globally, and we are confident that this collaboration will introduce a distinctive new offering to the market,” said Mr. Korn Narongdej, Chairman of the Executive Committee & Director of Raimon Land PLC.

Sylvain Pasdeloup, COO of APAC at Ennismore, said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Raimon Land on this exceptional project. Through SLS Residences, we aim to bring our signature lifestyle-driven approach to one of the region’s most compelling resort destinations.”

This landmark collaboration sets a new benchmark for ultra-luxury living in Phuket through SLS Residences, reinforcing Raimon Land’s commitment to expanding its branded residential portfolio in partnership with world-class partners. It also underscores Phuket’s continued rise as a destination of choice for high-net-worth individuals and international investors, further strengthening its position on the global luxury real estate map.

The property will be supported by Accor One Living, an industry-leading platform that offers a 360º approach to the development, design, and operation of mixed-use projects and branded residential communities. Through the Accor Ownership Benefits Program, residential owners will have access to signature benefits that elevate their daily lives, including global VIP recognition and Elite memberships in the ALL Accor loyalty and rewards program, with access to preferred rates at more than 45 brands and over 5,700 Accor and Ennismore hotels and resorts worldwide.

Ennismore continues to accelerate its expansion into the branded residential market, building on the strength of its lifestyle brands to create design-led homes that extend the guest experience into everyday living. With a growing pipeline of branded residences across key global destinations – including SLS Madrid Infantas Residences, Mondrian Gold Coast Australia and SLS Residences at Palm Jumeirah – each project is rooted in the distinct DNA of its brand, combining design, curated amenities and culturally relevant programming to deliver a true sense of place. As demand for experience-led living continues to rise, Ennismore’s approach – driven by its deep expertise in creative storytelling, food and beverage and community-building – positions it to redefine residential hospitality, creating destinations that resonate equally with residents.

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Bangkok, Thailand, May 02, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Extraordinary Travel Festival (ETF), the world’s premier gathering for extreme travelers and global explorers, is proud to announce the first confirmed panelist for its Video Content Creation Panel at ETF III, taking place October 22–25, 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. Additional panelists will be announced in the future.

The Video Content Creation Panel will bring together some of the most influential voices in travel media to discuss the art, craft, and strategy of building a global audience through video — from storytelling and production to monetization, platform dynamics, and the future of travel content.

Panelist: Mike Boisvert — The Skate Nomad
Mike Boisvert, known online as The Skate Nomad, is a Canadian content creator who has built a passionate global following by doing something refreshingly simple: traveling the world solo with a skateboard and a camera. His mission is to document skateboarding culture across every corner of the planet.

Since launching his channel in 2022, Boisvert has amassed over 153,000 YouTube subscribers and more than 37 million video views and over 118,000 followers on his Instagram channel, documenting skate spots, skate parks, and skate communities from destination to destination. His work captures not just the skating, but the culture, people, and stories that surround it — making him one of the most distinctive travel-meets-action-sports voices in digital media today.

Boisvert’s content is a natural fit for ETF III, where the intersection of adventure, storytelling, and independent exploration is at the heart of everything.

“The Video Content Creation Panel reflects something we care deeply about at ETF — the stories that come from the road,” says ETF co-founder Ric Gazarian. “Mike is out there every day proving that a board, a backpack, and a camera can take you anywhere. He is connecting with locals like the Ethiopian Skate Girls for genuine interactions. Together, they represent exactly the kind of creators who belong in this conversation.”

About ETF III
ETF III will unite hundreds of the world’s most traveled individuals, including country collectors, overland adventurers, explorers, extreme travelers, and those pushing the boundaries of global exploration. The event takes place in Bangkok, October 22-25, 2026.

The festival will feature more than 30 speakers, alongside vibrant social gatherings, curated cultural programs, breakout sessions, and a gala dinner.

ETF also brings together leaders and members of major global travel communities including Every Passport Stamp, Travel Massive, Pangea, and NomadMania — creating one of the most concentrated gatherings of experienced global travelers anywhere in the world.

Ticket Information
Tickets (use code BANGKOK to save) for ETF III are now on sale.
extraordinarytravelfest.com/tickets/

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Manila, Philippines, April 29, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Philippines will host the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu City on May 6–8, convening Southeast Asian leaders to advance regional cooperation, economic resilience, and sustainability under the Philippine Chairship, anchored on the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” The upcoming Summit in May will tackle urgent regional priorities, including energy security, food security, and safety of ASEAN nationals.

Upon the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to scale down preparations across all ASEAN meetings, the original five-day schedule will be compressed into a streamlined three-day program which includes preparatory meetings, and will discuss concrete actions amid the impact of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East underscoring the importance of dialogue, stability, and collective action among ASEAN member states, especially during these challenging times. At the heart of this Summit is one shared goal: to ensure that ASEAN cooperation delivers real, responsive, and meaningful outcomes for the peoples of Southeast Asia.

The Summit program will center on key Leaders’ engagements, including the Opening Ceremony of the 48th ASEAN Summit, the ASEAN Summit Plenary, the ASEAN Summit Retreat, and the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Special Summit.

Beyond diplomacy, the Summit highlights Cebu’s growing role as a dynamic hub for business and investment, supported by its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and skilled workforce. The Philippines aims to deliver a secure, efficient, and forward-looking Summit that reflects ASEAN’s shared vision of a resilient and sustainable future.

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Dili, Timor-Leste, April 29, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / TT TasiFest has announced Indonesian music legend Iwan Fals as a headline act for its 2026 edition, reinforcing Timor-Leste’s cultural positioning within Southeast Asia and supporting its growing engagement with the ASEAN region.

Set for 29–30 May 2026, the festival will welcome one of Southeast Asia’s most influential and enduring musical voices to Dili, marking a significant moment for Timor-Leste as it strengthens its regional cultural presence.

Widely regarded as a generational voice, Iwan Fals has shaped public consciousness across Indonesia and the wider region for more than four decades. His music — known for its powerful social commentary and deep emotional resonance — has inspired movements, connected communities, and earned him recognition as one of ASEAN’s most important cultural figures.

He continues to tour extensively across Indonesia and Southeast Asia, performing to multi-generational audiences and drawing crowds of tens of thousands. His inclusion in TT TasiFest positions Timor-Leste as an emerging cultural stage within ASEAN, capable of hosting artists of major regional significance.

As Timor-Leste advances its pathway within ASEAN, the participation of artists such as Iwan Fals plays a key role in strengthening cultural diplomacy and regional identity. His performance highlights the country’s commitment to engaging with ASEAN not only economically and politically, but also through shared cultural expression.

Beyond cultural exchange, Iwan Fals’ presence also supports Timor-Leste’s positioning as a tourism destination for the ASEAN market. His strong fan base across Indonesia and the region creates a powerful opportunity to attract regional visitors, increase awareness of Timor-Leste as a travel destination, and promote the country’s unique offering — from its natural landscapes and marine tourism to its rich cultural heritage and creative industries.

With growing regional connectivity and strengthening links between Timor-Leste and ASEAN markets, including increasing travel flows and accessibility, TT TasiFest plays a key role in positioning the country as an emerging cultural and tourism hub within Southeast Asia.

Vice Minister for ASEAN, Milena Rangel, said:
“The participation of Iwan Fals at TT TasiFest represents an important step in strengthening Timor-Leste’s integration within ASEAN. Cultural initiatives such as this reinforce regional linkages, deepen people-to-people connections, and contribute to building a shared ASEAN identity through creativity and collaboration.”

Director General of Tourism, Antonio da Silva, said:
“Events like TT TasiFest are essential in promoting Timor-Leste as a tourism destination within the ASEAN market. By attracting internationally recognised artists with strong regional audiences, we are able to showcase the country’s unique cultural and natural assets while driving visitor growth and strengthening the tourism economy.”

Festival organisers said TT TasiFest aims to become a regular platform within ASEAN touring circuits, creating opportunities for regional artists to connect with new audiences while promoting Timor-Leste as a hub for cultural collaboration and exchange.

The 2026 edition will also feature a diverse international lineup, including Guy Sebastian (Australia), Calema (Portugal), and Criimson (Timor-Leste), further reinforcing the festival’s role as a bridge between ASEAN, CPLP countries, and global music markets.

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Bangkok, Thailand, April 29, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is delighted to announce that PATA Travel Mart 2027 is going to be organised in Macao, China, from September 20–22, 2027. The event will be hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), one of the Association’s longest-standing collaborators.

“For the first time in a decade, the Association’s flagship Travel Mart will be organised in Macao, China,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “We had the opportunity to experience the destination’s world-class hospitality in 2010 and 2017 during the first and second PATA Travel Marts held in Macao, and most recently in 2024 during the PATA Annual Summit.

Furthermore, MGTO has also been a longstanding supporter of the PATA Gold Awards for more than 30 years. With this strong partnership and Macao’s exceptional capabilities as a host destination, we are confident that this Travel Mart will further showcase the city’s excellence and hospitality on the global stage.”

He added, “We look forward to jointly working with MGTO in preparation for the travel mart, as well as bringing our global network of leading exhibitors and buyers to the destination next year.”

MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes said, “We are looking forward to welcoming PATA Travel Mart delegates once again next year for a firsthand update on the dynamic developments of Macao as a world centre of tourism and leisure, with an emphasis on diversification. PATA has always been an important platform for Macao’s tourism industry to connect with peers in the Asia Pacific and beyond. By hosting this PATA flagship event, we are also pleased to offer delegates the opportunity to fully leverage our city’s unique advantages in connecting the Chinese mainland with the world.”

PATA Travel Mart is one of Asia Pacific’s longest-standing international travel trade exhibitions. Structured as a three-day event, PTM 2027 will feature networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organisations gain access to influential decision-makers across the Asia Pacific. Buyers and exhibitors will expand their professional network and strengthen existing business partnerships to reinforce their foundation and ensure robust growth.

Alongside the main travel trade show, PTM 2027 will offer delegates access to a full-day insight forum on the latest tourism trends, the PATA Gold Awards 2027 celebration, and additional social functions across the three-day programme.

About Macao, China

As one of China’s special administrative regions, Macao stands apart with its blended offering between cosmopolitan styles and multicultural heritage. Its historic district, known as ‘The Historic Centre of Macao’, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. Born from over 500 years of the integration of Chinese culture and Western influences, the district was home to over 20 monuments and urban squares that provide a glimpse into its rich past. Later on in 2017, Macao itself was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, which effectively spotlights its multicultural delicacy on the international stage.

Beyond culinary excellence, Macao boasts a diverse range of intangible heritages that revolve around unique practices and expressions. This includes oral traditions, performing arts, social customs, rituals, and the know-how behind traditional crafts. Additionally, the destination possesses a total of 70 items recorded on the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and 11 on the Representative List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, the likes of which are Cantonese Opera, Herbal Tea Brewing, Woodwork – Religious Figure Carving, and Macanese Gastronomy.

According to MGTO, Macao has approximately 47,000 hotel rooms in Feb 2026, providing exceptional hospitality services. Visitors are drawn in and welcomed by the destination’s busy calendar of events, where festivities, celebrations, and events of various kinds, such as the Macao Grand Prix and Art Macao, breathe life into the ancient streets.

Further details on PATA Travel Mart 2027 will be announced soon.

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Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, April 27, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Hotels have an indispensable role in reducing society’s environmental footprint. Professor Dan Wang, Dr Mei Yang and Dr Zhiming Deng of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently published a study exploring how third parties can play their part in achieving this goal. Their pioneering framework for identifying and classifying stakeholders in hotel environment management (EM) initiatives will help practitioners strategise the most effective ways to maximise sustainability.

Making a green transition is particularly important for the hotel industry. Hotel operation is resource-intensive and waste-heavy, and the rise in environmental awareness among ethical investors and the wider public has been accompanied by increasing legislation. “Hospitality scholars have long been investigating effective ways to improve environmental management”, the authors write. “This has led to a vast body of research on various aspects related to environmental sustainability management in the hotel industry”.

However, previous research has mostly viewed hotels in isolation, as individual entities striving to reduce their own environmental footprint. In fact, hotel operations are also influenced by the interests of various external stakeholders, such as local communities, governments and NGOs. Missing thus far is a broader view that accounts for these other key actors. “Only a few studies”, the researchers note, “recognise the importance of stakeholders in effectively implementing environmental sustainability practices and achieving sustainable outcomes”.

The stakeholder management literature offers some guidance for hotels seeking to tap into their relationships with external stakeholders. The researchers saw that the time was ripe to apply these insights to the specific domain of hotel EM. Based on stakeholder theory, companies “actively evaluate how different group of stakeholders’ engagement may either facilitate or hinder the successful execution of sustainable initiatives”, they explain. “Thus”, in the EM context, “it is important to specifically identify the stakeholders related to hotel EM and address their interests”.

To this end, the authors drew upon the theory of stakeholder identification and salience. Their framework was “grounded in the premise that not all stakeholders are equal, and their importance to the organisation can vary based on certain attributes, including power, legitimacy, and urgency”. Here, power reflects the ability of a stakeholder to influence an organisation, legitimacy refers to the perceived validity or appropriateness of the stakeholder’s involvement, and urgency indicates the degree to which their needs or demands require immediate attention.

Firms therefore prioritise stakeholders seen as most salient. The authors’ framework further specifies seven categories of stakeholder salience: dormant, discretionary, demanding, dominant, dependent, dangerous and definitive. “The determination of stakeholder salience”, however, “is not solely a managerial perspective, especially in the context of sustainable development”. They continue that “for a more inclusive assessment, a third-party perspective can be integrated into the evaluation process to balance the potential managerial bias and lack of intrinsic stakeholder engagement”.

This multi-perspective approach is consistent with the authors’ chosen research paradigm. Specifically, they situated their approach in the tradition of social constructivism, according to which “truth/reality is socially constructed and subjectively interpreted by the surrounding environment”. This view naturally lends itself to a qualitative methodology that can reveal participants’ personal experiences of the topic at hand.

Guided by this theoretical lens, the researchers performed real-world case studies in a selection of hotels to explore how stakeholders engage in EM. “The stakeholders identified by the hotels”, they report, “include hotel owners, guests, a hotel association, hotel employees, and local community representatives”. Interviews and on-site observations were conducted in five international hotel chains in Beijing and Shanghai to gather first-hand data on these various actors’ involvement with hotels’ EM initiatives.

To draw out the most relevant information from each interview, a separate questionnaire was drawn up for each type of hotel stakeholder. Senior management, for example, were asked mainly about the sustainability initiatives of their hotels in the present and anticipated future, while other hotel employees were invited to talk about their personal involvement in such practices and general observations. Guests, hotel associations, hotel owners and local community representatives likewise answered tailored questions about their knowledge of and opinions on hotel EM issues.

The conversations with managers revealed that international chains are taking EM seriously, with programmes to achieve specific emission and waste reductions. These goals, and the strategies to attain them, vary between firms: “Hilton, for instance, has set a near-term target for 2030 with its LightStay programme aimed at reducing carbon emissions by half and doubling investments in social impact”, the authors report, whereas Hyatt “adopts a broader view with its World of Care programme, encompassing the adoption of renewable energy sources”, alongside recycling and biodiversity protection.

As the most essential stakeholders, both hotel owners and employees were categorised as definitive, holding power, legitimacy and urgency. Nonetheless, despite the decision-making power of hotel owners, “their level of involvement and commitment is hindered by cost concerns and return on investment calculations”, the researchers found. The investments in new technology that are needed for energy-saving and emission reduction were repeatedly mentioned as barriers to owners’ engagement in EM – despite the recognition that “environmental sustainability is not only the responsible thing to do, but it also makes good business sense”.

Hotel employees, meanwhile, are on the frontline of EM initiatives. “Therefore”, the authors emphasise, “it is crucial for hotels to provide comprehensive training and education programmes to enhance employees’ understanding of environmental sustainability and promote a culture of green practices”. Kitchen, housekeeping and maintenance staff may be in particular need of greater EM awareness and knowledge, with one F&B director remarking that “there is often a lack of clarity on what ‘green’ really means and what each individual can do to contribute to the goal of achieving zero emissions”.

Hotel guests, classed as demanding stakeholders due to the urgency of their needs, showed mixed responses to EM initiatives – valuing sustainability as a decision criterion but struggling with specific inconveniences, such as the decision not to provide bottled water. Many hotel chains are attempting to align guests’ service expectations more closely with their green values through clearer communication: as one director of marketing put it, “we want to inform consumers of the rationales of our actions”. The authors recommend combining this strategy with close attention to guests’ responses to sustainability initiatives.

Identified as a discretionary stakeholder with high legitimacy, the China Hospitality Association (CHA) has a comprehensive certification process for hotels’ environmental performance. “However”, the researchers point out, this “Green Hotel programme is voluntary, and the CHA has no legal authority to enforce compliance among hotels”. They call for changes to the institutional environment to encourage more EM initiatives, envisioning that an active CHA “can serve as a powerful advocate for sustainable practices in the Chinese hotel industry”.

“Key stakeholders”, the authors sum up, “can influence the effectiveness of EM practice implementation”. Nonetheless, the ambitious EM programmes set out by major chains “face challenges in gaining support and engagement from stakeholders in the Chinese hotel industry”. The researchers’ systematic framework for stakeholder identification and engagement in the hotel EM context provides a valuable new perspective on holistic approaches to overcoming these barriers.

Dan Wang, Mei Yang and Zhiming Deng (2025). Pathway to Environment Management in Hotel Industry: A Stakeholder Engagement Framework. Journal of China Tourism Research, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 580–600.

About PolyU School of Hotel and Tourism Management
For more than four decades, the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has refined a distinctive vision of hospitality and tourism education and become a world-leading hotel and tourism school. Ranked No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality and Tourism Management” category in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025 for the ninth consecutive year; placed No. 1 globally in the “Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services” category in the University Ranking by Academic Performance in 2024/2025 for eight years in a row; rated No. 1 in the world in the “Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism” subject area by the CWUR Rankings by Subject 2017; and ranked No. 2 globally among comprehensive universities in the “Hospitality and Leisure Management” subject area in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, the SHTM is a symbol of excellence in the field, exemplifying its motto of Leading Hospitality and Tourism.

The School is driven by the need to serve its industry and academic communities through the advancement of education and dissemination of knowledge. With a strong international team of over 90 faculty members from 21 countries and regions around the world, the SHTM offers programmes at levels ranging from undergraduate to doctoral degrees. Through Hotel ICON, the School’s groundbreaking teaching and research hotel and a vital aspect of its paradigm-shifting approach to hospitality and tourism education, the SHTM is advancing teaching, learning and research, and inspiring a new generation of passionate, pioneering professionals to take their positions as leaders in the hospitality and tourism industry.

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Phuket, Thailand, April 26, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The GSTC2026 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference took place from 21 to 24 April in Phuket, Thailand, at the Royal Phuket City Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town. The event brought together tourism professionals, destination representatives, academics, and sustainability experts from around the world to discuss key challenges and practical solutions for advancing sustainable tourism.

Held in one of Thailand’s most prominent tourism destinations, the conference highlighted the importance of sustainable travel and destination stewardship, with the conference program centered on three core themes: Sustainable Hospitality, Resilient Cities & Communities, and Carrying Capacity & Visitor Distribution Management. These thematic tracks provided a clear framework for the sessions, enabling participants to engage with relevant content provided by renowned speakers.

Before the conference, there were a range of GSTC on-site trainings hosted on 19–20 April, offering participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge through the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course in English and Thai, the Sustainable MICE Course, the GSTC Sustainable Attraction Course, and two auditor trainings focused on the GSTC Hotel Standard and the GSTC Destination Standard. This pre-conference program was followed by the 4th GSTC Academic Symposium on the 21st of April, which brought together researchers, academics, and practitioners for a full day of exchange, collaboration, and discussion on key issues shaping sustainable tourism.

The Welcome Dinner of the GSTC2026 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference was held at Blue Elephant Phuket and opened with official greetings and a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother of Thailand (1932–2025). The evening featured an opening performance of a traditional dance from Southern Thailand, followed by welcoming remarks from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Governor of Phuket, and a greeting from GSTC Chair, Luigi Cabrini. During the Dinner, guests enjoyed an orchestral performance by Yamaha Music School Phuket, presented by Sound Gallery Group.

The first day of the conference began with welcoming speeches by Mr. Luigi Cabrini, GSTC Chair; Mr. Surasak Phancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand; and the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool.

“Tourism is back as an essential activity, a creator of jobs and a tool for development, providing social, economic, and environmental benefits. Sadly, the conflicts that ravage various regions of the world, and in particular the Middle East war, provoke human losses and destruction, and are also impacting tourism flows. Tourism promotes peace, but also needs peace to thrive.” Said Mr. Cabrini.

He outlined GSTC’s strategic goals for the next decade, and envisioned “GSTC acting as a global leader and convening authority for sustainable tourism, driving measurable improvement and accelerating the transition from extractive to sustainable tourism.” He concluded, “It is an ambitious task, but we believe it can be achieved, thanks to the recognition, support, and encouragement received by the tourism community, represented by you here with us today.”

The opening continued with a plenary session on GSTC’s global mission and current activities, presented by GSTC CEO Randy Durband and Dr. Mihee Kang, GSTC’s Chief Assurance Officer. The session provided attendees with an overview of GSTC’s ongoing work and strategic priorities, highlighting the organization’s role in advancing sustainable tourism globally.

The event featured a wide range of sessions exploring pressing issues in tourism today, including panel discussions on Climate Resilience, Disasters, and Sustainable Recovery, Navigating the Balance of Growth and Livability, Education of Sustainability, Hotel Waste Management and Sustainable Procurement, How Platforms Drive Sustainable Choice at Scale, Accessibility and Slow Travel, among others. As well as several workshops that complemented the main sessions, and an on-site consultation on the GSTC Destination Standard, which is currently under review.

“Hosting the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2026 in Phuket marks a significant milestone for Thailand as we continue our journey toward becoming a leading sustainable tourism destination on the global stage. This conference reflects our strong commitment to driving tourism development based on the principle of ‘value over volume,’ while ensuring a balanced approach to visitor management and resource preservation.

GSTC 2026 brought together global leaders, policymakers, industry professionals, and sustainability experts to exchange knowledge and best practices, elevating tourism standards in tangible, meaningful ways. It also reinforces Thailand’s role as a proactive contributor to the global sustainability agenda.

We believe this event served not only as a platform for international collaboration but also as a catalyst to strengthen the capabilities of Thai tourism stakeholders, enhance our destination management, and create long-term, sustainable value for local communities, particularly in Phuket and surrounding areas,” mentioned Thapanee Kiatphaibool, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

The Farewell Conference Dinner included a Thai Blessing Performance, a celebratory traditional dance intended to extend blessings and prosperity upon all participants, offering a meaningful and culturally rich close to the conference.

Recordings of the conference’s plenary sessions are available on the GSTC Facebook page, along with photographs of the event. The other sessions will be uploaded to GSTC’s YouTube channel soon. Presentations from the various sessions will be available on the GSTC website soon.

After the Conference, participants were invited to join a selection of post-conference tours across Phuket, offering deeper insight into the destination’s communities, heritage, ecosystems, and livelihoods. The tours explored themes such as social regeneration, marine livelihoods, urban heritage, human–wildlife coexistence, and community-based stewardship, giving participants the opportunity to experience sustainability in practice across diverse local contexts.

Carbon Footprint Measurement and Other Sustainable Practices during the Conference

As with previous GSTC Conferences, the carbon footprint of the event and the travel of all attendees have been calculated and offset by BIC Event Thailand and TCEB.

Building on the experience of GSTC2025 Fiji, GSTC continued its collaboration with Reforest for GSTC2026 Phuket. Reforest is an Australian social enterprise dedicated to helping travel and events leave destinations better for the climate, nature, and local communities. They will plant one tree on behalf of every attendee of the GSTC2026 Global Conference.

During the event, sustainability was integrated into the conference through a range of environmental and operational measures. The event avoided polystyrene and foam and sought to minimize single-use plastics across all touchpoints. A digital-first approach was adopted through digital signage, programs, and communications to help reduce paper and plastic waste. Reusable lanyards with a minimal, non-event-specific design were used to encourage future reuse, while paper-based name badges replaced plastic holders.

Sustainability was also reflected in transportation, food and beverage, and community-related aspects of the conference, including post-conference tours and the representation of local service providers and communities. Electric shuttle buses were used for airport and event transportation, shared transport was encouraged, and venues were selected within walking distance to reduce transportation needs.

In the food and beverage offering, locally sourced ingredients were emphasized, vegetarian options were made available alongside responsibly sourced seafood, and water refill stations and reusable water bottles were provided. The conference also supported local suppliers and communities, and showcased local arts and performances to promote cultural heritage.

GSTC encouraged slow travel, as it does across all of its conferences, by spreading activities over several days, enabling attendees to experience the destination at a more considered pace. By hosting the conference in Phuket Town, participants were also able to engage more directly with the town’s culture and heritage, while supporting local establishments through meals and other services.

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Madrid, Spain, April 26, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The United States remained the largest Travel & Tourism market in the world in 2025, but is losing market share according to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact Research, sponsored by its Lead Research Partner, Chase Travel.

While 2025 saw the best year ever for the Travel & Tourism sector in terms of GDP growth of 4.1%, the story was very different for North America, which was the slowest-growing region globally, rising just 1.0%, and by only 0.9% in the U.S. 80 million more people travelled internationally in 2025 compared with the year before yet they chose other destinations. U.S. visitor numbers declined 5.5% against 2024 and international visitor spending fell 4.6% to US$176 billion.

While the U.S. continues to lead in scale, contributing US$2.63 trillion to global GDP, WTTC highlights that the country is now at a crossroads in its tourism development. With the right actions, it has a significant opportunity to restore international visitor spending, sustain job creation, and strengthen its global leadership – particularly as competition intensifies from fast-rising markets in Asia Pacific, such as China.

In 2025, the Travel & Tourism sector in the U.S. supported 20.4 million jobs, up 1.2% year-on-year, and added approximately 242,000 new jobs, a positive signal for both the sector and the wider economy. Domestic visitor spending remained strong at US$1.54 trillion, up 0.3% year-on-year and 14.3% above pre-pandemic levels.

Sustaining this momentum will depend on increasing investment and promotion of the United States, rebuilding international demand, changing perception and ensuring the U.S. remains competitive as a global destination.

With the country set to co-host major football events in 2026, WTTC highlights a significant and immediate opportunity. The event is expected to bring around 1.24 million international visitors during the tournament period, offering a powerful platform to showcase the American experience, and convert visitors into promoters of travel to the country.

China, the second largest market in the world, is rapidly gaining ground, with Travel & Tourism contributing US$1.75 trillion to GDP in 2025, growing 9.9% year-on-year and supporting 84.6 million jobs (+2.0%). Both international visitor spending (up 10.5% to US$135 billion) and domestic spending (up 10.7% to US$890 billion) saw strong gains.

This momentum reflects the broader strength of Asia-Pacific, now the fastest-growing Travel & Tourism region globally. The region’s GDP grew 8.2% in 2025 to reach US$3.29 trillion, with several markets outperforming the global average, led by Malaysia (11.2%) and the Philippines (10.8%), followed by China (9.9%), India (7.3%), and Indonesia (7.2%).

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said:
“The United States remains the largest Travel & Tourism market in the world and has an amazing foundation. To avoid losing its leadership position the U.S. must invest in promoting its attractiveness, both in international markets and during the summer of football; change perception and position the U.S. as a welcoming destination; and grow international visitor spend, encouraging stopovers and new experiences.”

Jason Wynn, CEO of Chase Travel, said:
“As WTTC’s latest research shows, the U.S. Travel & Tourism sector continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, supporting millions of jobs and driving trillions of dollars in economic growth even amid global headwinds. With the U.S. set to host a series of global events through 2028, we have an extraordinary opportunity to welcome new visitors and bring travellers from around the world closer together, fostering meaningful connections across countries and communities.”

“At Chase Travel, we are committed to being the go-to partner and provider for both domestic and international travel, leveraging our world class marketplace to empower travellers, advisors, and partners to elevate every trip and drive lasting growth for the industry.”

WTTC will continue working with governments and industry leaders to support sustainable Travel & Tourism growth, strengthen competitiveness, and ensure the sector remains a driver of jobs, investment, and economic opportunity.

Chase Travel remains dedicated to making travel more accessible and rewarding for cardmembers by connecting them to trusted partners, seamless booking and support, and the experiences that matter most.

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