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| MTF 2018 |
The secretariat of the Mekong Tourism Working Group, the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) is coordinating the organization of MTF 2018 and related events. The MTF 2018 event program and concept is created and produced by the public-private partnership framework Destination Mekong.
MTF 2018 continues its objective from MTF 2017 to be inclusive and experiential. Similar as in Luang Prabang, where almost 50 travel operators were part in making the destination the venue, in Nakhon Phanom at MTF 2018, the destination will again be the venue.
MTF 2018 will introduce the theme “Transforming Travel – Transforming Lives” to open participants’ and hosts’ minds alike by connecting and learning from each other. Tourism can be an important catalyst in changing people’s lives for the better through mutual understanding. By visiting each other’s communities and exchanging ideas, the world can be a better place, and travel can be a force for good. The theme of “Transforming Travel – Transforming Lives” will kick-of its discussion with a half-day “International Conference on Buddhist Tourism”, as well as launch of the Mekong Trends Report on Responsible Travel.
MTF 2018 continues its objective from MTF 2017 to be inclusive and experiential. Similar as in Luang Prabang, where almost 50 travel operators were part in making the destination the venue, in Nakhon Phanom at MTF 2018, the destination will again be the venue.
MTF 2018 will introduce the theme “Transforming Travel – Transforming Lives” to open participants’ and hosts’ minds alike by connecting and learning from each other. Tourism can be an important catalyst in changing people’s lives for the better through mutual understanding. By visiting each other’s communities and exchanging ideas, the world can be a better place, and travel can be a force for good. The theme of “Transforming Travel – Transforming Lives” will kick-of its discussion with a half-day “International Conference on Buddhist Tourism”, as well as launch of the Mekong Trends Report on Responsible Travel.
With MTF 2018, we don’t just want to attach a theme to the annual forum, but we want to live it. By visiting and engaging with the local communities in the eight ethnic tribal villages, the delegates will be able to interact with the local people, while the local people will be able to interact with visitors from all over the world. Normally, these engagements are staged for tourist purposes, however we would like to engage in true cultural interaction. As such, MTF 2018 embraces the theme “Transforming Travel – Transforming Lives” by experimenting with a new conference theme of hosting the actual sessions together with the local communities in their ethnic villages, and have the local people participate and be part of the experience. That way, we believe the discussions can be enriched, and the experience be a memorable one.
In the morning, inspiring keynotes from different sectors in the tourism eco-system explore the theme of Transformative Travel in 15-min creative and engaging speeches followed by our second edition of Mekong Opportunities & Threats, where Mekong Citizens working in travel and tourism in the region make the passionate plea about the importance of their respective area as it relates to responsible and sustainable tourism development in the GMS. From Nakhon Phnom University, delegates dressed in the respective traditional shirts of each village will be transported by van to their respective ethnic village.
In the afternoon, eight ethnic villages in and around Nakhon Phanom host eight thematic sessions, from food tourism, adventure tourism, wellness tourism, luxury tourism, religious tourism, community-based tourism, heritage & culture tourism, and meetings & events. Each of the sessions will discuss key pillars in positioning the GMS for these market segments, from experience and product development, accessibility, positioning, accessibility, infrastructure development, human resources development, and investment. Each of the eight tribes has a different feel, and will engage with delegates in discussions.
In the morning, inspiring keynotes from different sectors in the tourism eco-system explore the theme of Transformative Travel in 15-min creative and engaging speeches followed by our second edition of Mekong Opportunities & Threats, where Mekong Citizens working in travel and tourism in the region make the passionate plea about the importance of their respective area as it relates to responsible and sustainable tourism development in the GMS. From Nakhon Phnom University, delegates dressed in the respective traditional shirts of each village will be transported by van to their respective ethnic village.
In the afternoon, eight ethnic villages in and around Nakhon Phanom host eight thematic sessions, from food tourism, adventure tourism, wellness tourism, luxury tourism, religious tourism, community-based tourism, heritage & culture tourism, and meetings & events. Each of the sessions will discuss key pillars in positioning the GMS for these market segments, from experience and product development, accessibility, positioning, accessibility, infrastructure development, human resources development, and investment. Each of the eight tribes has a different feel, and will engage with delegates in discussions.
Following a traditional local lunch hosted by the villages, delegates will engage in their thematic session, facilitated by a subject matter expert. After the session, the delegates will explore the ethnic village and immerse themselves in activities to farming to silk weaving. The Mekong Tourism Village Experience promises to be an exciting and pioneering MICE model. Delegates will pay Thai Baht 1,200 to participate in the Village Experience, and will receive a limited edition traditional shirt from their respective village. The money goes directly to the village to support specific projects.
Like last year, MTF 2018 will ban single use plastic bottles, plastic straws, and plastic bags. Water refill stations will be available at the main venue, official hotels, and the ethnic villages.
Mekong Tourism Forum 2018 in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand – June 26-29, 2018
Download the MTF 2018 Program
Register for free at www.MekongTourismForum.org.
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
Is active on various social media platforms under the universal handle @TourismMekong.
Like last year, MTF 2018 will ban single use plastic bottles, plastic straws, and plastic bags. Water refill stations will be available at the main venue, official hotels, and the ethnic villages.
Mekong Tourism Forum 2018 in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand – June 26-29, 2018
Download the MTF 2018 Program
Register for free at www.MekongTourismForum.org.
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
Is active on various social media platforms under the universal handle @TourismMekong.
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Please find out more by visiting www.MekongTourism.org
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