Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)

From local roots to eco-luxury: Maison Dalabua sets new standards in Luang Prabang Catch our insightful interview with Toune Sisouphanthavong, whose boutique hotel Maison Dalabua in Luang Prabang is revolutionizing sustainable hospitality. Starting with just 15 rooms in 2007, she transformed the property into a 40-room eco-conscious haven that’s caught the Lao PDR government's attention. 🌿 The hotel champions zero-waste practices with plastic-free rooms, organic gardens, and innovative recycling programs that benefit local staff. Their commitment extends beyond environmental care – they've cultivated a 140-strong local workforce across three brands, nurturing career growth from housekeeping to management roles. What began as a simple family business now stands as a benchmark for sustainable tourism, proving that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist beautifully in the heart of Laos. 🏨♻️ Read the full interview on our website at https://lnkd.in/g4_uRBBp #SustainableTourism #EcoHospitality #MaisonDalabua #Laos #GreenHotel #LuangPrabang #EcoTravel #AsianHotels #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Image courtesy of Toune Sisouphanthavong

Lao PDR’s Khammuan enhances tourism with new facilities Khammuan province in Lao PDR emerges as Laos' newest tourism powerhouse and is improving its tourism facilities with upgrades to infrastructure, including roads and amenities like parking areas, toilets, and information centers. With 198 unique attractions, including scenic caves, waterfalls, and cultural landmarks, these efforts aim to create a more inviting experience for travelers while promoting the province’s rich heritage.🏞️🌟 The region's star attraction, the Thakhaek Loop, wins praise from international travelers for its pristine roads and stunning landscapes. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gDZsYdJi #Khammuan #LaoPDR #LaosAttractions #SustainableTravel #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Source & Photo credit: Vientiane Times

Creating equity in travel! The Travel Foundation's latest report highlights 40 strategies to make tourism more equitable and sustainable. 🌍✈️ From case studies to actionable solutions, the report emphasizes how local communities can benefit from tourism while tackling global challenges like climate change. Key recommendations include strengthening local economies, fostering resilient supply chains, and prioritizing climate-vulnerable destinations. Together, the industry can drive a just and inclusive transformation. 💡✨ Read more and join the movement! https://lnkd.in/guaeMVPE #SustainableTravel #TourismForGood #EquityInAction #ClimateJustice #TravelTransformation #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Source & Photo credit: The Travel Foundation

Thailand and China mark 'Golden Jubilee' with visa-free boost Thailand and China mark 50 years of diplomatic relations with a reciprocal visa-free travel policy. 🚀🤝 This milestone initiative aims to simplify travel and significantly boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. The policy reflects the enduring bond between the two nations, celebrated under the theme of their "Golden Jubilee." The celebration would be kicked off by bringing a Buddha's tooth relic enshrined in Lingguang temple in Beijing to Thailand for people to pay respect to at Sanam Luang from Dec 4 to Feb 14 next year. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gKxDhUJ5 #Thailand #China #GoldenJubilee #ThailandChinaRelations #CulturalExchange #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Source & Photo credit: Bangkok Post

Escape the city: explore Viet Nam’s vibrant waterways 🌿🚤 Looking for a refreshing escape from Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling streets? Venture into the lush Mekong Delta! Visit the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, a UNESCO-protected haven teeming with wildlife, or experience the lively Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho at dawn for a glimpse into river life. For history lovers, Sa Dec offers charming colonial architecture and flower fields that feel straight out of a novel. These nearby water-bound retreats offer a serene, scenic change of pace just hours from the city. 🌊🌺 Read the full article on our website to plan your next unique getaway! https://lnkd.in/gPMswbZx #HoChiMinhCity #VietNam #MekongAdventures #VietNamNature #BeyondHCMC #UNESCO #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Photo credit: Viet Nam Government News

Cambodia enhances tourism with digital payment innovation The National Bank of Cambodia and Mastercard have launched the Bakong Tourists App, enabling seamless digital payments for international visitors. This partnership fosters a cashless travel experience by linking Mastercard accounts to the app, allowing payments at over 3.3 million merchants. The initiative, part of Cambodia's drive toward digital transformation, enhances tourist convenience while supporting local businesses through public-private collaboration. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gvdawTMg #DigitalTourism #CashlessTravel #Cambodia #Mastercard #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)  Source & photo credit: Khmer Times

Smart border innovation links Viet Nam’s Lang Son and China’s Guangxi Lang Son, Viet Nam, and China's Guangxi region are collaborating on a pilot smart border gate system to streamline trade and enhance connectivity.🌐The initiative also aims to facilitate smoother cross-border travel, supporting tourism and economic ties. Alongside modernized infrastructure, measures like hotlines and quarterly meetings are set to bolster cooperation. This upgrade promises not only efficient trade but also improved travel experiences for visitors.  For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gDWhbpXZ #VietNam #China #Guangxi #LangSon #SmartBorder #VietnamChinaTrade #TourismBoost  #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Source: VietnamPlus Photo credit: Vietnam News Agency

Bo Suak, Tra Que Vegetable Village, and Azheke shine as Best Tourism Villages 2024! We are thrilled to announce that Bo Suak (Thailand), Tra Que Vegetable Village (Viet Nam), and Azheke (Yunnan, China) have been named among the Best Tourism Villages 2024 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)! These exceptional villages have been recognized for their commitment to sustainable tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and empowering local communities. 🎉 Join us in congratulating these remarkable destinations for shaping the future of tourism in the Greater Mekong Subregion! 🌏 #SustainableTourism #GMSPride #UNWTOTourism #BestTourismVillages2024 #MekongMoments #Thailand #BoSuak #TraQue #Vietnam #Azheke #Yunnan #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Source: UNWTO Photo credit: China Daily

Easia Travel’s Phetanong Phonsavath on leading sustainability initiatives in Lao PDR Discover how Easia Travel is reshaping tourism in Lao PDR with a deep commitment to sustainability! 🌍 In our latest interview, Phetanong "Anong" Phonsavath, Lao PDR Country Director for Easia Travel, shares insights on groundbreaking projects like the “Refill, Not Landfill” initiative, child safety policies, elephant welfare, and support for local communities. 🌱 From eco-friendly practices to promoting responsible tourism, Anong’s vision highlights the power of collaboration for a greener future. Read the full interview on our website https://lnkd.in/gr9Q6N_Y to learn more about Easia Travel’s inspiring journey in sustainable tourism! #SustainableTravel #MekongTourism #Laos #EasiaTravel #SustainableTourism #EcoTravel #TravelResponsibly #GreenTravel #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS #LaosTourism Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Image courtesy of Phet Anong Phonsavath

Boosting tourism in Luang Prabang with infrastructure upgrades Lao PDR government is intensifying efforts to enhance tourism in Luang Prabang following a recent official meeting that addressed key infrastructure and service challenges. With over 1.7 million visitors in ten months, officials highlighted the need for better roads, regulated tourism services, and improved facilities to support the city’s growth. These planned upgrades aim to create a smoother, more enjoyable experience in this historic destination, ensuring Luang Prabang remains a top choice for travellers. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gnQ78664 #LuangPrabang #Laos #LaoPDR #TourismBoost #SustainableTravel #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)  Source: The Laotian Times  Photo credit: Tourism Luang Prabang