Myanmar to Host 2026 Mekong Tourism Forum as Flag Passes from Laos

Symbolic handover marks a new chapter in regional travel collaboration

A Ceremony of Continuity and Connection

The 2025 Mekong Tourism Forum wrapped up with a symbolic and hopeful gesture — the ceremonial handover of the hosting flag from Laos to Myanmar. This gesture officially designated Myanmar as the host nation for the 2026 forum, reaffirming the region’s commitment to unity and shared growth through tourism.

Phonemaly Inthaphome, Director General of the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, presented the flag to U Maung Maung Kyaw, Director General of Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. The ceremony was broadcast on Lao national TV, highlighting its significance not only for the tourism industry but for diplomatic and cultural collaboration across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

“Travel Together, Grow Together”

Held in Luang Prabang, Laos from June 24 to 27, the 2025 forum convened leaders, tourism professionals, and community representatives under the theme “Travel Together, Grow Together.” The focus was clear: to promote sustainable tourism development built on solidarity, trust, and mutual respect among the six GMS countries — Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Throughout the four-day event, delegates engaged in a dynamic program of high-level conferences, cross-border dialogues, product showcases, and experiential study tours. The aim was to spotlight the unique cultural heritage and natural landscapes of the region while encouraging cooperation between public and private sectors.

Showcasing Northern Laos' Potential

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, served as the ideal setting for the forum. Participants toured nearby destinations, experiencing first-hand the growing appeal of agritourism, community-based travel, and heritage preservation initiatives. Exhibitions presented new tourism products designed to connect travelers with authentic local experiences while promoting sustainable development.

These tours and exhibitions emphasized the role of tourism in enhancing community well-being, particularly in rural and lesser-known areas. As Laos demonstrated, tourism can be a tool for preserving culture, creating jobs, and protecting natural resources — when planned and managed responsibly.

A Regional Effort for Sustainable Growth

In her closing remarks, Phonemaly emphasized the importance of the forum as a platform for building partnerships and setting common goals across the Mekong region. She praised the increasing involvement of both public institutions and private enterprises in shaping the future of tourism, from infrastructure development to service quality and environmental stewardship.

With Myanmar stepping into the spotlight for 2026, expectations are high for continued momentum in the region’s tourism revival and transformation. Despite ongoing global challenges, the Mekong Tourism Forum continues to be a catalyst for inclusive growth, innovation, and shared prosperity.

Looking Ahead to Myanmar 2026
Myanmar’s upcoming role as host signals a new opportunity for the country to reconnect with international tourism stakeholders and highlight its own rich cultural and natural attractions. It will be a moment not just of hospitality, but of regional solidarity — a continuation of the forum’s mission to “travel together” and “grow together.”

For updates and more information about the Mekong Tourism Forum and sustainable tourism in the region, visit:
www.mekongtourism.org

https://www.tourism.gov.mm/
www.laostourism.org.la

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