GSTC Academic Symposium 4th Edition

We look forward to welcoming you to the GSTC 2026 Academic Symposium in Phuket, where leading thinkers will gather to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaborations, and inspire meaningful progress.

We invite scholars and practitioners to contribute rigorous, innovative, and impactful work that advances the field of sustainable tourism. Whether your research offers empirical insights, conceptual developments, methodological innovations, or transformative educational approaches, your contribution is vital to shaping a more responsible, resilient, and regenerative global tourism system. Our goal is to showcase cutting-edge insights, foster academic–industry exchange, and highlight innovative approaches that support a more sustainable global tourism system.

We invite presentations that consider the following:

Applies the GSTC Framework in empirical or conceptual research
Demonstrates how the GSTC Standards are integrated in tourism and hospitality curricula
Addresses one or more of the conference themes listed below

By facilitating ongoing exchange between academia and industry, the GSTC Academic Symposium reinforces a global commitment to advancing sustainable tourism development. The goal is to help destinations thrive economically while preserving their unique cultural heritage and natural environments for future generations.

Date: April 21, 2026
Where: Marriott Courtyard Phuket Town

Theme 1: Sustainable Hospitality

This theme welcomes research exploring innovations and best practices that move the
hospitality sector toward environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Potential
topics include:
• Low‑carbon operations, energy efficiency, and circularity
• Water stewardship and waste reduction
• Sustainable food systems and procurement
• Community partnerships and equitable labor practices
• Guest engagement and behavior change
• Certification outcomes and sustainability performance metrics

Theme 2: Resilient Cities & Communities

This theme focuses on strategies that enable destinations to navigate environmental, social,
political, and economic pressures while enhancing long‑term resilience. Topics include:
• Climate adaptation for tourism-dependent regions
• Community-based tourism and participatory governance
• Disaster readiness, risk reduction, and crisis response
• Local value chains and circular economies
• Collaborative planning frameworks
• Balancing tourism growth with cultural and social well‑being

Theme 3: Carrying Capacity & Visitor Distribution Management

This theme addresses global challenges related to congestion, resource degradation, and imbalanced visitor flows. Relevant topics include:
• Assessing physical, socio‑cultural, and ecological carrying capacity
• Visitor use management strategies in protected and cultural sites
• Spatial planning, dispersal tools, and time‑based demand distribution
• Digital monitoring, analytics, and predictive management
• Policy approaches that support balanced and responsible tourism
• Case studies demonstrating effective implementation of visitor flow management

Open Call for Papers

We are excited to announce that the call for papers for this academic symposium is now open. The symposium offers a platform for researchers and practitioners focusing on sustainable tourism to exchange their findings. Submissions must address the key themes of the conference, and we particularly encourage papers that apply the GSTC Framework or highlight the integration of the GSTC Standards (formerly known as GSTC Criteria) within academic curricula.

While authors are encouraged to submit abstracts addressing these themes, any submissions related to current issues in sustainable tourism research will be considered. Researchers may submit abstracts for in-person presentations during the conference academic symposium.

We welcome original research, case studies, and theoretical contributions related (but not limited) to the following themes:

Abstract Submission Guidelines

Abstract Submission Deadline (Extension): 28th February 2026

Notifications of Acceptance: from 28th February 2026

Symposium Date: 21st April 2026

We welcome original research, case studies, and theoretical contributions. Proposals should include:

Presenter(s) name, affiliation, and contact details for the corresponding author
Title of the presentation (abstract)
Key Words
Short Abstract (up to 200 words)
Extended Abstract (up to 1000 words)
- Your extended abstract should NOT include author information. This will enable the peer review process.
- Introduction of research context, academic field and area of study. For case study reports, include non-academic stakeholders and operational context.
- Presentation of research question or problem statement, purpose of the case study or initiative.
- Description of method and methodological considerations.
- For scientific research presentations; theoretical alignment, relevant literature and previous research.
- Presentation of results and outcome.
- Two key takeaways for tourism practitioners and businesses.

For submissions, follow the Submit Abstract link process on this page.

Peer Review Process

All submitted abstracts will undergo a double-blind peer review by members of the symposium’s academic committee. Acceptance will be based on scholarly merit, originality, and relevance to the symposium theme.

Each submitted abstract and accompanying presentation should align with the above stated structure. Selected insights will be summarized on our website and in the conference proceedings. The presentation format will consist of a 15-minute oral presentation followed by a Q&A.

For inquiries about the symposium submissions, kindly contact:

Dr. Carolin Lusby – clusby@fiu.edu or Dr. Jonathon Day – gjday@purdue.edu

For logistical inquiries, please contact events@gstc.org.

Registration Details

Academic Symposium + Conference

The Academic Symposium registration is free of charge for those who attend the GSTC2026 Phuket Conference.
To register to the symposium in addition to your conference registration, contact us (after you registered to the conference) at events@gstc.org to confirm your attendance to the academic symposium.

Academic Symposium Only

The symposium registration fee, if you’re not joining the conference, is USD 120.
To register separately for the Academic Symposium ONLY, contact events@gstc.org