"Upskilling in the Mekong: Training Tourism Workers for the Future"

The new surge of tourists visiting the Mekong Sub-Region are far more discerning these days: they expect a higher level of service and expertise from tourism workers. Expectations are also high among many tourism workers, who are eager to take on more responsibilities, advance to higher- level positions, and increase their earning potential in the industry.

Stakeholders in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region (GMS) are hard at work helping tourism workers achieve their fullest potential, just in time to meet the returning tourist tide from across the globe.
During the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) in Sihanoukville, Cambodia last April, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA)’s Chairman Peter Semone led a panel discussion on advancing human capital.

The panel put a spotlight on the crucial role of governments and training centers in connecting students with hospitality businesses; how strategic partnerships with industry professionals help students gain practical skills; and suggested the creation of a Mekong Institution Program to enhance tourism workforce skills and invest in employee learning and development.

While addressing workforce and skill shortages were a key concern, the panel was able to discuss reskilling/ upskilling strategies for a more resilient GMS tourism industry in the near future. Read the summary of the MTF panel discussion in the MTF 2023 Report here.

Regional Spotlight: Inle Lake, Myanmar

The communities clustered around Inle Lake in Myanmar order their lives around the natural rhythms of tradition and nature. A rotating market moves in a five-day cycle throughout five towns; the annual Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival finds the temple’s golden Buddha images set afloat in a grand regatta; Intha fishermen and floating farms generate sustenance as they have for generations.

Inle Lake is a great place to be close to the communities and to nature. There are many things to do here, such as visiting Buddhist holy sites like Phaung Daw Oo and Shwe Indein, or taking a motorized boat around the different villages to shop for silver jewelry, tobacco “cheroots”, or knives. (Myanmar Ministry of Hotels & Tourism)

*Source: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Email: info@mekongtourism-mtco.org