Stronger Together: Mekong Nations Unite for a New Era of Sustainable Tourism

Panel Discussion

A Shared Vision for 2030

At the 2025 Mekong Tourism Forum in Luang Prabang, the six countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) took a significant step toward reshaping the future of travel in Southeast Asia. The unveiling of the final draft of the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 marked a new milestone in cross-border collaboration, aiming to create more sustainable, inclusive, and competitive tourism across the region.

The strategy, the result of years of dialogue and joint planning, was presented under the Forum’s inspiring theme: United Journey – Stronger Together.

A Regional Roadmap with Local Impact

Jointly developed by senior tourism officials from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam—alongside the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and supported by the GMS Economic Cooperation Program—the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 is designed to improve quality, sustainability, and regional unity in tourism development.

Rather than focusing only on traditional hotspots, the new strategy promotes the growth of secondary destinations, spreading tourism benefits to lesser-known but culturally rich regions. These efforts are expected to reduce pressure on over-visited sites while creating new opportunities for communities and travelers alike.

Sustainability at the Core

Craftwork

The strategy outlines key programs around sustainable destination development, digital transformation, human capital investment, and stronger stakeholder engagement. Themes such as environmental protection, cultural preservation, gender inclusion, and private sector participation run through each initiative, ensuring that tourism growth benefits a broad spectrum of communities.

As tourism rebounds, the Mekong region is positioning itself to not only recover but to thrive—by being smarter, greener, and more inclusive.

Tourism as a Driver of Regional Prosperity

Tourism remains a pillar of economic and social progress for the Greater Mekong Subregion. International visitor arrivals across GMS countries reached over 69 million in 2024, steadily approaching pre-pandemic levels. Intra-regional travel within the GMS saw 9.5 million trips in 2023, a testament to the strengthening ties among neighboring countries.

The World Travel & Tourism Council projects the Mekong visitor economy will hit USD 200 billion annually by 2030, making tourism a crucial contributor to regional development.

Collaboration is the Key

More than 230 delegates from 20 countries and 92 organizations attended the 2025 Mekong Tourism Forum, representing governments, tourism businesses, civil society, media, and development partners. Their presence reinforced the importance of collaboration across borders and sectors in turning the GMS Tourism Strategy into reality.

As Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, stated, “This is a practical roadmap with a shared vision for the region. It reflects our collective commitment to unlocking tourism’s potential to benefit local communities, businesses, and travelers alike.”

Looking Ahead

The path forward is clear. With shared priorities and unified efforts, the Greater Mekong Subregion is                           shaping a travel landscape where growth aligns with sustainability, opportunity meets inclusion, and every journey contributes to a stronger regional identity.

Travel Resources and Information

Greater Mekong Subregion Program: www.greatermekong.org
Tourism Authority of Thailand: www.tourismthailand.org
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism: www.vietnamtourism.gov.vn

For more information about Mekong tourism and regional updates, visit:
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
Website: www.mekongtourism.org
Email: info@mekongtourism-mtco.org

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