The Mekong Tourism Forum 2023 has been confirmed for 25-27 April and will take place in Sihanoukville city, the capital of Preah Sihanouk province in Cambodia. Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia and co-organized by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, this year’s forum will focus on the theme “Rethinking for Resilience and Digitalisation.”
Tourism ministers, leaders, NGOs, private sector representatives, and other stakeholders from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam will gather to discuss ways to rethink and revitalize the tourism industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The forum will feature a diverse range of topics, including job creation, gender equality, food safety and hygiene, digital transformation, and a more geographically dispersed tourism approach.
The Mekong Tourism Forum 2023 will provide a unique opportunity for tourism experts and political leaders to come together and address five key ideas on April 26th:
- Rethinking tourism to prioritize people and the planet
- Developing local food production networks with a focus on safety and hygiene and reducing food waste
- Using new digital technology to boost tourism startups and small- and medium-sized businesses
- Improving training to ensure that tourism workers have the skills to adapt
- Advancing equality of opportunity and fair treatment for women in the private and public sectors of tourism
According to H.E. Dr Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism for Cambodia, “The post-COVID-19 tourism landscape now provides clear opportunities for us to take stock and rethink tourism for the better.” He adds, “With my tourism colleagues from around the Greater Mekong Subregion, we will work hard to ensure that tourism re-establishes itself as an engine to create sustainable prosperity for our citizens. The MTF 2023 agenda has a clear focus and will address those issues.”
The forum will also host a Sustainable Tourism Exhibit featuring over 20 exhibitors showcasing responsible and sustainable tourism, community-based tourism, and local community products. Moreover, delegates will have the opportunity to join local excursions and post-tours to showcase sustainable tourism practices in the destination.
An estimated 150 international delegates are expected to attend the MTF 2023, and the forum is free to join for leaders of the travel industry. Registration is available through the new Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office website and will close on April 18th or when places are fully booked, whichever comes first.
In conclusion, the Mekong Tourism Forum 2023 offers a unique platform for industry stakeholders to come together and reshape the future of tourism in Southeast Asia. As the tourism industry strives to recover from the pandemic’s impact, this forum’s discussions and insights will be invaluable for shaping a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for tourism. Register today and be part of the conversation.
Written by: Supaporn Pholrach (Joom)
