Global Sustainable Tourism Summit 2026
The Global Sustainable Tourism Summit is a flagship event on the international sustainable tourism calendar – bringing together sustainability changemakers, innovators and industry leaders for four days of ideas, collaboration and impact.
This year’s Summit explores global best practice at both destination and business level, and how sustainable tourism delivers real value across people, place, planet and purpose. Designed as a dynamic platform to connect, share knowledge and address the sector’s most pressing sustainability challenges, the four-day program features a two-day conference, two social functions and an optional destination immersion experience.
Supported by Summit Partner Tourism Australia and proudly hosted by the City of Gold Coast, the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit will be held from Tuesday 2 – Friday 5 June 2026, aligning with World Environment Day on 5 June. The Summit also acknowledges 2026 as a milestone year, celebrating 30 years of ECO Certification and the enduring impact of credible sustainability standards in tourism. The Summit will take place at Mercure Gold Coast Resort – a Sustainable Tourism Certified venue recognised for its strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
Key Themes
Through a dynamic mix of keynote presentations, panel discussions and fireside chats, the program brings together international and local speakers to explore the most pressing sustainability challenges and opportunities facing tourism today:
- Ecotourism in action: Driving regeneration, conservation and protected areas
- The changing visitor mindset: What your customers are really looking for
- From strategy to action: How Slovenia became one of the world’s leading sustainable destinations
- The green skills challenge: Close the skills gap and empower your team to take action
- Communication with confidence: Preparing for sustainability scrutiny and telling your story with authenticity
- Nature and wellness: How can we leverage Australia’s unique landscapes to create world-class experiences?
- Designing for everyone: How do we build inclusive destinations and experiences from the outset?
- Proving impact: How are we measuring sustainability performance to demonstrate real results?
- Authentic Indigenous partnerships: How can tourism value chains work respectfully and collaboratively?
- Building climate-resilient visitor economies
Program Overview
Day 1: Tuesday 2 June
ECO Think Destination Forum (invite only)
Welcome Function (PM)
Day 2: Wednesday 3 June
Conference Day
Networking Event (PM)
Day 3: Thursday 4 June
Conference Day
Day 4: Friday 5 June
Destination Immersion Program (optional, at additional cost)
The program will be ticketed separately and run from approximately 8.30 am to 1 pm.
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View the full Summit itinerary (including estimated timings for each day) here.
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Ecotourism Australia respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we host the Summit, the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Secure Your Tickets Here!
Early Bird Member – $825*
Early Bird Non-Member – $990*
*Prices include GST. Booking fees are not included and are subject to the discretion of the ticketing partner.
Ecotourism Australia is proud to partner with Humanitix as the official ticketing provider for the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit 2026. Humanitix is a social enterprise that donates 100% of its booking fee profits to a range of charities, including Yalari, The Life You Can Save, Partners for Equity and more. Learn more about Humanitix by clicking here.
Accommodation Offers
Find exclusive accommodation offers for the Global Sustainable Tourism Summit on the Gold Coast. All participating accommodation providers are Ecotourism Australia certified, ensuring your stay supports sustainable tourism practices while enjoying discounted rates.
Mercure Gold Coast Resort
Mercure Gold Coast Resort, our host venue, is pleased to offer delegates a special fixed rate of $225.00 per room, per night, including one breakfast daily. This exclusive rate is available for Summit attendees and offers the convenience of staying onsite throughout the event. Secure your room here.
Novotel Surfers Paradise
Novotel Surfers Paradise (16 min to venue) from are pleased to offer Summit delegates a 15% discount on their Best Available Rate, valid for stays between 2nd – 5th June 2026. Bookings can be made using the code NSP15%, and the discount is subject to availability at the time of booking.
The same discounted rate has also been generously extended into the following weekend, allowing delegates to enjoy a longer stay and further explore the Gold Coast!
QT Gold Coast
QT Gold Coast (19 min to venue) are generously offering a 30% discount on their Best Flexible Rate for delegates attending the Summit. The rate is valid for bookings between 29th May and 9th June. There is no minimum stay; however, accommodation will be subject to availability at the time of booking. Book directly with QT Gold Coast here to secure your room at the discounted rate.
Sponsor Expression of Interest
Looking to showcase your brand and support sustainable tourism? Explore the opportunities to partner with the Summit by reviewing our Sponsorship Prospectus here.
Summit Partner
Host Sponsor
Summit Sponsors
