29 June — The 2025 Mekong Tourism Forum concluded on a high note this week, marking a new chapter in regional tourism cooperation as Laos officially handed over the forum’s hosting responsibilities to Myanmar for the 2026 edition.
The symbolic flag handover took place during the closing ceremony in Vientiane and was presided over by Phonemaly Inthaphome, Director General of the Tourism Development Department under the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. She passed the flag to U Maung Maung Kyaw, Director General of Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, solidifying Myanmar’s role as the next host of this pivotal regional event.
“Travel Together, Grow Together”
Held from June 24 to 27 in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, the 2025 forum adopted the theme “Travel Together, Grow Together,” emphasizing the importance of solidarity, trust, mutual understanding, and respect in advancing tourism in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
Phonemaly commended the active participation of all six GMS countries — Cambodia, China (Yunnan and Guangxi provinces), Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam — highlighting their shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism.
Highlights and Achievements
This year’s forum featured a blend of high-level policy discussions and grassroots engagement, including:
- Conferences on sustainable tourism policy and regional collaboration.
- Tourism product exhibitions showcasing the diversity of Mekong travel experiences.
- Study tours to agritourism sites, cultural heritage landmarks, and eco-tourism attractions in Luang Prabang province.
Participants also explored strategies for community-based tourism and public-private partnerships aimed at enhancing service quality and improving the livelihoods of local populations.
A Platform for Regional Solidarity
“The forum reflected growing collaboration between the public and private sectors,” Phonemaly said, “and reinforced our joint efforts to build resilient tourism systems that benefit communities across the Mekong region.”
As Myanmar prepares to host the 2026 Mekong Tourism Forum, expectations are high for continued progress in advancing sustainable tourism development, promoting cross-border cultural exchanges, and deepening regional ties.
The successful conclusion of the 2025 forum signals a collective momentum for a more connected, inclusive, and people-centered tourism landscape in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Source: Xinhua
