Empowering Grassroots Tourism Through E-Commerce Training in the Greater Mekong Subregion

Across Southeast Asia’s Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), a quiet revolution is unfolding in the world of community-based tourism. From family-run guesthouses to riverside homestays, small operators are embracing the digital age—discovering how online tools can open doors to new markets, global visibility, and sustainable livelihoods.

This transformation is being driven by an innovative collaboration between the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), GMS National Tourism Organizations, and Agoda, through the launch of the GMS E-Commerce Training Program for MSME Accommodation Providers.

 

Bridging the Digital Divide in Tourism

Tourism in the Mekong region is rapidly digitalising. Travelers now plan, book, and review their journeys online, and businesses without a digital presence risk being left behind. Yet, many small and micro enterprises lack the training and resources to make the leap into e-commerce.

The GMS E-Commerce Training Program directly addresses this gap. By offering targeted workshops and mentoring, it empowers entrepreneurs in remote destinations to confidently use digital tools to attract, manage, and delight guests from around the world.

 

Hands-On Training for Real-World Impact

The program officially began with two successful sessions: Thailand on 18 September and Cambodia on 1 October. During these workshops, local accommodation owners learned how to:

• Create professional online listings that highlight their unique cultural and natural attractions.
• Manage dynamic pricing and promotions to stay competitive.
• Use digital analytics to understand booking trends and guest behavior.
• Communicate effectively with potential guests through online platforms and social media.

These practical, results-focused sessions are helping participants see tangible improvements in bookings, customer engagement, and revenue.

 

Expanding Across the Mekong Region

Following the initial success, the training program continues its rollout through November, reaching operators in Viet Nam, Lao PDR, and China’s Yunnan and Guangxi provinces. Each session is tailored to local needs, with materials presented in accessible formats and languages to ensure inclusivity and impact.

By the end of the series, hundreds of micro and small-scale accommodation providers across the Mekong Subregion will have gained new skills and confidence to compete in an increasingly online travel marketplace.

 

Supporting Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

Beyond digital skills, the initiative aims to build resilience within the tourism sector. Empowering grassroots operators means more communities can share authentic Mekong experiences—from traditional village stays to eco-friendly river lodges—while directly benefiting from the visitor economy.

Stronger local businesses contribute to more sustainable and inclusive tourism, ensuring that economic opportunities are shared widely, not concentrated in large urban centers or multinational chains.

 

Building a Connected Future for the Mekong

The MTCO–Agoda partnership exemplifies how public-private collaboration can drive meaningful change in tourism development. By bridging the digital divide, the program nurtures a generation of tourism entrepreneurs who are not only digitally capable but also proud custodians of their cultural and natural heritage.

This initiative demonstrates that when local voices are amplified through technology, the world listens—and travels.

For media or partnership inquiries, please visit:
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
Website: www.mekongtourism.org
Email: info@mekongtourism.org

Agoda
Website: www.agoda.com

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