The Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 and the 55th Mekong Sub-regional Tourism Board Meeting took place from 24 to 26 June in Luang Prabang, Laos. The meetings were organized by the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, bringing together tourism leaders, officials, and representatives from Mekong sub-regional countries.

Myanmar’s delegation was led by Director-General of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Maung Maung Kyaw, accompanied by representatives from the Myanmar Tourism Federation and the Myanmar Hoteliers’ Association.

On 24 June, the 55th Sub-regional Tourism Board Meeting was chaired by Ms Phonemaly Inthaphome, Director General of the Lao Tourism Development Department. The meeting reviewed the outcomes of the 2024 forum and discussed progress in regional tourism cooperation, including information sharing, digital media partnerships and implementation of the Mekong Tourism Strategy 2030.

On 25 June, member countries attended the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office board meeting. Discussions focused on finalizing agreements for the office’s formal establishment, legal processes for treaty enforcement, and promotion of the strategy to tourism-related stakeholders across the region.

The forum opened on 26 June under the theme “United Journey: Stronger Together.” Lao Deputy Minister Ms Darany Phommavongsa and Luang Prabang’s Deputy Governor gave welcome remarks. Experts and tourism officials discussed cooperation between the government and private sectors and explored ways to promote local food, eco-tourism, agriculture-based, and cultural tourism across the Mekong region.

During the forum, Myanmar showcased its traditional foods, handicrafts, and tourism destinations to international guests.

At the closing ceremony, Myanmar officially received the forum flag and confirmed it will host the Mekong Tourism Forum 2026 and chair the sub-regional tourism body in June next year.

 MNA/KZL

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