Mekong countries set goals for more sustainable tourism
The Mekong region has unveiled the final draft of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Strategy 2030.
Presented at the 2025 Mekong Tourism Forum in Luang Prabang, it will drive high-quality sustainable tourism development, promote regional cooperation, and accelerate the development of secondary destinations across the Greater Mekong Subregion.
It was 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.
The strategy builds on previous regional efforts and 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.
Themes such as digital transformation, environmental sustainability, inclusion and empowerment, and private sector development are part of all strategic programs.
Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office said “This is a practical roadmap with a shared vision. It reflects our collective commitment to addressing common challenges and unlocking the potential of tourism to benefit local communities, businesses, and travelers alike.”
The Mekong Tourism Forum brought together more than 230 delegates from 20 countries and 92 organisations, 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 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 $200 billion annually by 2030.
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