Photo: Vat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang ready to sparkle as Mekong Tourism Forum kicks off next week
 
With just days to go, the ancient city of Luang Prabang is abuzz with preparations for the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2025, set to take place from June 25-27.
 
Speaking in Vientiane on Wednesday, the Director General of the Tourism Development Department, Ms Phonmaly Inthaphoum, said 230 participants have registered for this highly anticipated regional gathering.
 
Under the powerful theme “United Journey – Stronger Together”, MTF 2025 aims to be a catalyst for driving the Greater Mekong Subregion's (GMS) tourism sector forward.
 
This pivotal forum will unite tourism stakeholders,from government officials and private enterprises to grassroots communities, emphasising the crucial role of collaboration in implementing the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030. The goal is clear: to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth that benefits everyone.
 
MTF 2025 will feature four dynamic breakdown sessions, exploring the rich potential of the GMS in the fields of gastronomy, ecotourism, agrotourism, and culture and heritage.
 
These interactive sessions will offer expert insights and facilitate knowledge exchange, paving the way for the GMS to lead in sustainable, culturally rich, and immersive tourism experiences.
 
The forum will not just consist of meetings. Attendees can explore tourism booths and exhibitions, witness cultural performances, and savour the "Taste of Luang Prabang" through special events. Site visits to the city's iconic attractions will allow participants to experience firsthand why this ancient city is a global treasure.
 
Pre-MTF sessions, including a dedicated workshop for the GMS tourism private sector, are designed to strengthen industry dialogues and forge new partnerships, building a resilient future for regional tourism.
 
The Mekong Tourism Forum, initiated by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in 1996 and revived by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) in 2010, remains a cornerstone event for the GMS tourism industry.
It serves as a vital cooperative platform for discussing development, marketing, and promotion, striving to present the GMS as a single, irresistible destination. By pooling resources, the forum continues to drive the sustainable growth and promotion of the region's tourism sector.
As MTF 2025 unfolds against Luang Prabang's breathtaking backdrop, it promises to be a transformative event, charting a bold course for the future of tourism in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update June 20, 2025)