Phuket hosted the 25th ITOP Forum, bringing together global leaders to discuss sustainable tourism, climate resilience, and community development for island destinations.
Phuket hosted the 25th edition of the prestigious Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum (ITOP) from September 24–26, 2024, at Pullman Karon Phuket Resort, marking a quarter-century of fostering sustainable tourism development across island destinations. The three-day event gathered over 150 leaders and policymakers from islands worldwide to discuss the future of tourism, sustainability challenges, and strategies to strengthen resilience in the face of climate change.
This year’s forum focused on critical themes, including climate change impacts on tourism, green finance, and the preservation of biodiversity. It explored how island destinations, which are highly dependent on fragile ecosystems, can adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change through innovative strategies and sustainable development. Emphasizing tourism’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030, the forum highlighted how tourism can contribute to broader goals such as environmental conservation, economic inclusivity, and community development.
The seminar on September 25 featured keynote presentations by prominent tourism thought leader Dr. Weerasak Kowsurat, Former Minister of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, who addressed the impact of climate change on tourism, and representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank Thailand – who explored how the SDGs and green finance can drive global sustainability. It was followed by a session on the importance of biodiversity in supporting tourism ecosystems – along with voices from local sustainability projects and initiatives, including the Phuket Old Town Carbon Neutrality 2030 project, Scholars of Sustenance (SOS), Oceans for ALL, and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project.
The Inter-Islands Tourism Policy (ITOP) Forum was attended by delegations from numerous island destinations such as Jeju, Okinawa, Hainan, Bali, Penang City, Zanzibar, Cebu, and Hawaii. These ITOP member regions presented successful examples of sustainable tourism development that balanced environmental protection with economic growth.
During the forum, an interactive Hackathon engaged participants in finding innovative solutions to major sustainability challenges in tourism, focusing on water consumption, waste management, energy efficiency, and sustainable tourism awareness. The sustainability seminar culminated in a governor’s tea ceremony, a signing ceremony, and a Gala Dinner on the evening of September 25, celebrating the rich heritage of island destinations.
A post-event tour on September 26 highlighted sustainable practices and the town’s efforts toward becoming a carbon-neutral tourism hub. Participants explored Phuket Old Town, led by the Phuket Young Ambassadors, a group of passionate local youth. The excursion emphasized community-based tourism and its role in promoting cultural preservation and sustainability.
Participants enjoyed numerous networking opportunities throughout the event, including a Welcome Dinner on September 24 and a networking lunch at Blue Elephant on September 26, offering delegates a chance to connect and experience authentic Thai hospitality.
The event also spotlighted Phuket as a destination. With its rich cultural diversity, Phuket provided a unique opportunity for collaboration. The island has been chosen to host the international contemporary art festival, Thailand Biennale, Phuket 2025, centered around the theme of “Eternity.” This festival will explore the sustainable relationship between humans and nature from November 2025 to April 2026, featuring 60 Thai and international artists.
Praevaryn is a Senior Correspondent for TravelDailyNews, covering travel and tourism, technology, and trends shaping Southeast Asian markets.
