The annual event offers a platform to discuss the future of tourism
Lijiang: inspirational setting for MTF 2024 [Download images and this press release in Word version here]
Lijiang – The Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2024 is extending an invitation to travel professionals and stakeholders from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to engage in a collaborative platform dedicated to reshaping the future of GMS tourism.
Themed, “Visionary Journeys Redefining Tomorrow’s Travel,” this year’s forum will emphasise collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies. The aim is to inspire delegates to explore new forms of tourism that deliver economic benefits, environmental consciousness and cultural enrichment.
Set against the backdrop of the scenic city of Lijiang, China, the Mekong Tourism Forum will take place April 23-25, 2024.
The MTF2024 is expected to welcome 200 tourism professionals and stakeholders, comprising tourism Ministers, leaders, NTOs, NGOs, and private sector representatives. All of them will explore ways to harness the potential of the tourism sector, driving positive transformation and creating opportunities across the region.
Focusing on maximising tourism’s potential, MTF2024 will feature the latest trends, destination marketing and management innovations, cultural highlights, sustainable practices, inclusive practices, and the benefits of the latest technology in travel.
A key highlight, the keynote speech entitled, “Visionary Journeys Redefining Tomorrow’s Travel,” will offer a glimpse into the future of GMS travel, spotlighting the shift towards sustainable and conscious tourism in a post-pandemic era.
A panel session on “Unleashing Potential: Enhancing International Cooperation to Propel Tourism Growth,” will address strategies for strengthening cooperation. The aim is to foster a unified, prosperous, and responsible future for GMS tourism.
Delegates will get a chance to join a field study, an on-site exploration of Lijiang’s Old Town, and see an exhibition at the museum showcasing Lijiang’s cultural heritage.
MTF2024 is hosted by the Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, Yunnan Provincial Culture and Tourism Department, the People’s Government of Lijiang City, and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO). It is co-organised by Lijiang Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism and Network International Culturalink Entities.
Ms Suvimol ‘Dee’ Thanasarakij, Executive Director of the MTCO said: “MTF 2024’s theme, ‘Visionary Journeys Redefining Tomorrow’s Travel’, highlights the importance of cultural integration and international cooperation in shaping the future of GMS tourism. We invite stakeholders to join us in Lijiang to create a more connected, responsible and productive tourism sector.”
To learn more and register for the MTF 2024 at no cost, visit the MTCO’s website at www.mekongtourism.org, which includes full panel discussion details. Registration closes at 23:59 (GMT+7) on April 8, 2024, or when all spots are filled. As space is limited, registrations will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is recommended to ensure participation.
ABOUT MEKONG TOURISM COORDINATING OFFICE (MTCO)
The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS)- comprising Cambodia, Yunnan and Guangxi provinces in China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam, is one of the world’s most dynamic tourist destinations. The six GMS governments established the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) in 2006, as a tourism collaboration framework, with its objective to develop and promote the Mekong Region as a single tourism destination. MTCO’s role is to coordinate activities that boost tourism’s contribution to inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability in the GMS. The MTCO work plan is guided by the GMS Tourism Working Group (TWG), which is made up of senior representatives of the National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) of the six member countries. MTCO activities are supported by the Asian Development Bank.
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