Universiti Malaysia Terengganu had successfully organized the Global Tourism Conference (GTC) 2017, which focused on Tourism Development and Innovation: A Catalyst for Sustainable Environment and Livelihood. The conference was co-hosted by Victoria University Business School, Australia and was held between July 19 and July 22, 2017, at the Primula Hotel, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. The conference brought together 120 participants which included 27 international presenters from all over the world such as Turkey, Indonesia, Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Maldives, Hungary, United State and Bahamas. Of the 120 participants, 80 presented their papers regarding tourism development and innovation.

The conference opening was attended by keynotes speakers, Prof. Brian King from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Prof. Vikneswaran Nair from Bahamas Univerisity, and invited speakers, Prof. Lindsay Turner from Victoria Universiti and Mr. Carl Solomon from Destination Marketing Store, Australia. The opening ceremony had a special welcome address from the dean of The School of Maritime Business and Management (UMT), Prof. Dr. Mohd. Shaladdin Muda who highlighted the main focus of the conference. The conference addressed a variety of topics relevant to the main theme and had sightseeing tour for participants to Redang Island, Kenyir Lake and Setiu Wetlands, as well as Kuala Terengganu.