Program
Lijiang, China
Mekong Tourism Forum 2024
The Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2024 is hosted by the Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, the Yunnan Provincial Culture and Tourism Department, the People’s Government of Lijiang, and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) under the theme
“Visionary Journeys Redefining Tomorrow’s Travel”
What to expect at
MTF 2024
An inspiring visionary keynote on the future of travel, focusing on the industry's shift to sustainable and conscious tourism, post-pandemic adaptations, the evolving preferences of conscious travelers, market shifts, and innovative GMS strategies for thriving.
Insightful panel discussions led by regional experts focused on:
- Bridging diverse cultures along the GMS corridor to support robust, inclusive, and sustainable tourism, emphasizing the untapped potential in secondary destinations and community engagement for cultural empowerment.
- Enhancing regional collaboration to promote policy harmonization and sustainable practices, to foster a unified, prosperous, and responsible future for GMS tourism.
An exhibition showcasing the regional cooperation projects under the GMS framework.
Networking opportunities to reconnect face-to-face with tourism stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
Key insights on Lijiang's dynamic cultural tourism and investment landscape, uncovering unique opportunities and trends.
A field study in Lijiang's Old Town, featuring smart management practices and an exclusive exhibition showcasing Lijiang's rich cultural and tourism industry integration.
Agenda
| Time | Program | Date | Venue |
| Tuesday, 23rd April 2024 | Arrival | ||
| All Day | Arrivals of MTF delegates, hosted media and international press delegation | Hilton Lijiang |
| All Day | Tourism Exhibition Space (Day 1) | Hilton Lijiang |
| 19:00 – 21:00 | Welcome Dinner | Hilton Lijiang |
| Wednesday, 24th April 2024 | Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) | ||
| All Day | Tourism Exhibition Space (Day 2) | Hilton Lijiang |
| 08:00 – 08:30 | Registration Dress code : Business attire | Hilton Lijiang |
| 08:30 – 08.35 | Opening Remarks By the Leader from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism | |
| 08:45 – 08:55 | MTCO’s Welcome Remarks Ms. Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office | |
| 08:55 – 09:01 | Yunnan Province’s Opening Remarks By the Leader from Yunnan Province | |
| 09:01 – 09:07 | Lijiang’s Welcome Speech By Secretary of Lijiang Municipal Party Committee | |
| 09:07 – 09:15 | Lijiang’s Cultural, Tourism and Investment Promotion By Lijiang Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism | |
| 09:15 – 09:20 | Opening Ceremony Ribbon Cutting | |
| 09:20 – 09:30 | Group Photo | |
| 09:30 – 10:00 | Keynote Speech – “Visionary Journeys Redefining Tomorrow’s Travel” Embark on a transformative journey through the evolving landscape of the travel industry, spotlighting the shift towards sustainable and conscious tourism. Discover how the industry is adapting to the new normal post-pandemic, and the evolving preferences of the conscious traveler. Uncover the latest market shifts and learn innovative strategies to thrive in this new era. This session is a roadmap to the future of travel, blending inspiration with practical insights for a world on the move. Prepare to be enlightened, engaged, and excited about what lies ahead in the world of travel, particularly in the context of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). | |
| 10:00 – 10.15 | Refreshment Break and Networking | |
| 10:15 – 11:15 | Concurrent Panel Discussions: | |
| Panel Discussion 1: “Crossing Bridges, Building Connections for Cultural Integration and Prosperity” Delve into the transformative power of tourism in bridging diverse cultures along the GMS corridor. This session will discuss the complex aspects of cultural integration and demonstrate how it supports strong, inclusive, and sustainable tourism, especially after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Explore cutting-edge digital tools, policy innovations, and the untapped potential of secondary destinations, all while highlighting the pivotal role of community engagement in empowering local cultures, women, and minorities. The discussion will offer fresh insights into how tourism can be a conduit for deeper cross-cultural understanding and economic prosperity in one of the most culturally rich regions of the world. | ||
| Panel Discussion 2: “Unleashing Potential: Enhancing International Cooperation to Propel Tourism Growth” Join our panel to explore enhancing international cooperation and sustainable tourism in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The session will discuss the benefits and challenges of regional collaboration, focusing on economic growth, environmental sustainability, equitable distribution, and travel facilitation. Experts will address strategies for strengthening cooperation, such as policy harmonization and sustainable practices, aiming to foster a unified, prosperous, and responsible future for GMS tourism. | ||
| 11:15 – 11:20 | Wrap-up Session By Ms. Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office | |
| 11:20 – 11:25 | Closing Remarks By the Host Country | |
| 11:25 – 11:30 | MTF Handover Ceremony | |
| 11:30 – 11:40 | Speech by the next MTF Host By Mr Khom Douangchantha, Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR | |
| 12:00 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch | |
| 14:00 – 18:00 | Field Study: Lijiang Immersive Experience An on-site exploration at Lijiang’s Old Town, highlighting smart management practices, followed by an exclusive exhibition at the museum showcasing Lijiang’s rich cultural and tourism industry integration. | Lijiang Old Town |
| 19:00 – 21:00 | Dinner | TBA |
| Thursday, 25th April 2024 | Technical Tour | ||
| 08:00 – 17:00 | Technical Tour
Dress code: Casual and comfortable shoes | Various tourist spots |
| 19:00-21:00 | Dinner Dress code : Casual | Hilton Lijiang |
* The above info is subject to change without prior notice.*
Registration is now open and complimentary for all, until Monday 8th April 2024, or until all available spots are filled. As space is limited, spots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The registration includes:
- Access to the forum and all functions listed in the program, including dinners, lunches, and coffee breaks
- Technical tour
- Airport transfer to/from the official hotel
- Daily transfer from the official hotel to the venue
Technical Tour
Date: 25th April 2024
Morning:
- Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park, a natural spectacle offering stunning views.
- Explore the serene Blue Moon Valley Scenic Area, known for its crystal-clear waters.
Noon:
- Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, featuring delicious regional and international cuisine.
Afternoon:
- Watch the “Impression of Lijiang” show, a vibrant, outdoor showcase of Yunnan’s ethnic cultures and natural beauty.
- Visit the Baisha Jinxiu Art Institute to witness the area’s rich artistic heritage.
- Explore the ancient Baisha Murals, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of the region.
Evening:
- Enjoy dinner in the hotel.
