Lao PDR Gears Up to Host Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 with Focus on Sustainability and Regional Cooperation – Travel And Tour World

Lao PDR Gears Up to Host Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 with Focus on Sustainability and Regional Cooperation – Travel And Tour World

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

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Lao PDR is set to welcome regional tourism leaders to the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2025, held in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. In a special interview, H.E. Suanesavanh Vignaket, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT), shared insights on the country’s priorities for sustainable tourism, community development, and enhanced regional connectivity within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).

With Luang Prabang recently recognized among the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories and significant infrastructure upgrades boosting access across borders, Minister Vignaket invites the global tourism community to experience Lao PDR’s vision for a connected, sustainable, and inclusive future

Surpassing Expectations: Over 4 Million Visitors in 2024

Lao PDR welcomed over 4.12 million international visitors in 2024, generating more than USD 1 billion in tourism revenue—a milestone achieved through strategic investments and regional partnerships. Central to this success is the Lao PDR-China Railway, which has revolutionized cross-border travel by offering faster and more comfortable transport options, particularly appealing to regional tourists.

Complementing this is the “Visit Laos Year 2024” campaign, which promoted the nation’s diverse tourism portfolio—from serene natural landscapes and heritage sites to adventure and wellness tourism. Improvements in visa policies and border infrastructure have simplified travel formalities, while provincial marketing and capacity building initiatives have helped maintain high standards across tourism offerings.

Looking forward, Lao PDR is adopting digital tools, including 5G networks and mobile applications, to elevate visitor experiences and promote sustainable tourism development aligned with policies outlined by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

The Significance of Hosting Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang’s selection as host for MTF 2025 represents a prestigious acknowledgment of its commitment to sustainable tourism and cultural preservation. Recognized as a top green destination, the city is pioneering a Smart and Integrated Urban Strategy that balances heritage site protection with urban development, ensuring tourism growth harmonizes with environmental stewardship.

Delegates at MTF 2025 will have the opportunity to engage directly with these initiatives, as well as explore culturally rich sites such as Ban Chan pottery village and the handicraft centers of Phanom, Sangkhong, and Sanghai—areas that showcase Lao PDR’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Prioritizing Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Growth

Minister Vignaket emphasized that while Lao PDR’s tourism boom is welcomed, sustainability and inclusivity remain core priorities. The government focuses on community-based tourism models that empower locals by enabling them to provide services and share in tourism’s economic benefits.

More than 60% of tourism enterprises are situated outside major urban centers, reflecting efforts to distribute economic opportunities across rural regions. Support from development partners is critical in building local capacity and promoting cultural preservation alongside environmental sustainability.

Such community-driven strategies align with the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) sustainable tourism goals and Lao PDR’s National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development.

Enhanced Regional Connectivity Fuels Tourism Growth

Connectivity improvements are transforming travel in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The Lao PDR-China Railway has already served over 480,000 cross-border passengers, facilitating smoother travel between Laos and China. The new road linking Vientiane to Chiang Mai reduces travel time by three hours and opens novel tourism routes.

Cross-border bus services, such as the new route between Udon Thani (Thailand) and Vang Vieng (Lao PDR), further enhance land connectivity. Additionally, regional air services by Lao Airlines and partners link Lao PDR to major ASEAN hubs, supporting seamless multi-destination itineraries.

These infrastructure investments promote the development of multi-country tourism products, boosting the GMS’s attractiveness as an integrated tourism region, a priority reflected in ASEAN tourism cooperation frameworks.

Provincial Tourism Development and Community Empowerment

Provincial initiatives, such as eco-adventure tourism in Khammouane and Vientiane’s Sustainable Tourism program, emphasize local engagement and environmental care. The Destination Management Network (DMN), bringing together government and private stakeholders, fosters sustainable tourism practices supporting livelihoods and inclusive growth.

This decentralized approach ensures tourism benefits extend beyond urban centers to culturally and environmentally significant rural areas, enhancing economic resilience and community well-being.

Championing Ecotourism within ASEAN Cooperation

Lao PDR plays a leadership role in regional ecotourism through its coordination of the ASEAN Ecotourism Standard and support of the ASEAN Ecotourism Corridor. These initiatives set quality benchmarks and encourage responsible exploration of natural and cultural assets across Southeast Asia.

Lao PDR’s diverse ecotourism offerings include Nam Et–Phou Louey National Park’s wildlife tracking and Bolaven Plateau’s trekking routes, blending conservation with community livelihoods—principles supported by the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan.

Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Multi-Country Tourism

Lao PDR actively participates in GMS frameworks promoting cross-border tourism cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, and joint marketing of cultural and natural heritage sites. The goal is to create cohesive thematic circuits that enhance visitor experiences and distribute economic benefits across the region.

By working collaboratively with GMS members and ASEAN partners, Lao PDR supports sustainable tourism standards, knowledge sharing, and capacity building efforts vital for resilient regional growth.

Women as Catalysts in Tourism Development

Women hold influential roles throughout Lao PDR’s tourism sector, from ministry leadership to community enterprise management. With over 55% female participation in the tourism workforce, the sector fosters inclusivity and empowerment.

Support organizations such as the Women with Disabilities Association help integrate marginalized groups into tourism value chains, promoting diversity and social equity—a reflection of Lao PDR’s commitment to inclusive economic development.

Vision for a Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Future

Looking beyond 2025, Lao PDR envisions a tourism sector that balances authenticity, cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity. International partnerships in training, sustainable management, and digital innovation are welcomed to advance these goals.

Travelers are encouraged to engage responsibly—choosing eco-friendly options and supporting local communities—to help build a sustainable tourism model that preserves Lao PDR’s unique identity while fostering prosperity.

Conclusion

The Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 will spotlight Lao PDR’s dynamic progress toward sustainable, inclusive, and regionally integrated tourism. As the country leverages infrastructure improvements, community engagement, and regional cooperation, it positions itself as a model for responsible tourism development in Southeast Asia and beyond.

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