Mekong Countries Set a Shared Vision for More Sustainable, Inclusive, and Competitive Tourism

heavenadm June 26, 2025 Press Releases Leave a comment 884 Views

Luang Prabang, Lao PDR – Thursday, June 26, 2025 – The Mekong countries unveiled the final draft Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Strategy 2030 at the 2025 Mekong Tourism Forum in Luang Prabang. The strategy will drive high-quality sustainable tourism development, promote regional cooperation, and accelerate the development of secondary destinations across the GMS.

Jointly developed by the GMS Tourism Working Group—comprising senior tourism officials from Cambodia, People’s Republic of China, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam—and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office with support from the GMS Economic Cooperation Program. The strategy builds on previous regional efforts and draws from extensive consultations with stakeholders from tourism and related sectors. Strategic programs focus on building sustainable destinations, developing human capital, strengthening engagement, and enhancing regional destination marketing. Crosscutting themes such as digital transformation, environmental sustainability, inclusion and empowerment, and private sector development are embedded in all strategic programs.

Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office said “The GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 is a practical roadmap with a shared vision for the region. It reflects our collective commitment to addressing common challenges and unlocking the potential of tourism to benefit local communities, businesses, and travelers alike. We are proud to support this journey by fostering collaboration, strategic dialogue, and helping turn vision into action.”

The Mekong Tourism Forum brought together more than 230 delegates from 20 countries and 92 organizations, including government agencies, tourism businesses, development partners, civil society, and media. Held under the theme “United Journey – Stronger Together,” the Forum highlighted the power of cross-border collaboration in shaping the region’s tourism future.

Tourism continues to be a key economic and social driver in the GMS. In 2024, international arrivals surpassed 69 million, signaling strong recovery toward pre-pandemic levels. Intra-GMS travel accounted for about 9.5 million trips in 2023, and according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the Mekong visitor economy is projected to reach USD 200 billion annually by 2030.