Collaborative effort between Cambodia, China, Lao, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam to promote the Greater Mekong Subregion as a single tourism destination
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Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) is administered out of the offices of the Department of Tourism of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, based in Bangkok, and was established with funding from the six governments of Cambodia, China,Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand, which represent the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS).The office is staffed and overseen by the Executive Director, and supported by the Operations Manager. The staff is guided by the GMS Tourism Working Group (TWG), which is made out of senior representatives of the NTOs of the six member countries. The MTCO gives the opportunity to interns to gain valuable international tourism experience, based on qualification and need. The MTCO has two major functions:
1) Development – To co-ordinate sustainable pro-poor tourism development projects in the Mekong in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, and
2) Marketing – To promote the Mekong region as a single travel and tourism destination. GMS Tourism Sector Strategy 2005-2015
Inbound tourism in the GMS has been one of the fastest growing destinations in the world. Between 2004 and 2006, the number of tourist arrivals, based on thePATA studies, increased by 26%, with an impressive 61% growth for Cambodia and 55% for Yunnan and Guangxi together. A common goal of both of public and private sectors in all countries is to create sustainable tourism profit. This is achieved optimally by increasing inbound tourism yield, by developing quality products that tourists are willing to buy, and inciting longer stays with enhanced motivation to revisit. Thus, GMS’s strategy is to “develop and promote the Mekong Region as a single destination, offering a diversity of good quality and high yielding sub regional products that helps to distribute the benefits of tourism more widely; add to the tourism development efforts of each country, by fostering a sustainable tourism development approach, by contributing to poverty reduction, gender equality and empowerment of women, while minimizing any adverse impacts.”
The strategy is comprised of 7 core programs: (1) marketing; (2) human resource development; (3) heritage conservation and mitigation of negative impacts; (4) pro-poor tourism; (5) private sector participation; (6) facilitation of travel, and (7) tourism development in priority zones. These core programs are divided into 29 projects including 16 thematic projects and 13 geographical projects.
1) Marketing the sub region as a single destination
To support multi country tourism in the GMS by stimulating demand from high yield markets through appropriate product development and joint promotional activities.
2) Human resource development with women’s empowerment
To upgrade the skills of tourism managers and tourism trainers to ensure that the strategy can be implemented and that the tourism institutions deliver quality training so that qualified staff is in place to face and manage tourism demand from high yield markets.
3) Heritage conservation and mitigation of negative socio-cultural impacts
To promote higher standards in the management of natural and cultural resources to maintain the value of what are the core tourism assets of the GMS; To strengthen socially responsible practices necessary to limit the negative impacts which uncontrolled tourism growth generates.
4) Pro-poor tourism and Equitable Distribution of Benefits
To promote patterns of tourism development that help reduce the incidence of poverty and increase economic opportunities and incomes for the poorest through their empowerment.
5) Private sector participation
To facilitate private sector participation and partnership in planning, investment and marketing.
6) Cross-border facilitation
To address impediments of travel to and within the GMS
7) Tourism-related infrastructure
To jointly plan and develop tourism infrastructure throughout the 13 identified GMS priority zones and to better spread the benefits of tourism. Key challenges over the next ten years will be to maintain sustainability and develop high yield quality tourism. This action endeavors to secure the first foundation of the GMS Tourism Sector that will allow the GMS countries to optimize the benefits from tourism for its human and economic development while preserving the cultural and natural assets, which are assets that are its main capital for the long term. About the GMS
The Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) was the fastest growing subregion in Asia and the Pacific in 2013, showing a 17% increase in international tourist arrivals compared to 2012 (Table 3). This was more than double the growth rate in Asia and the Pacific and significantly higher than ASEAN’s 11% increase. Since 2002 international tourist arrivals in the GMS have grown at an average annual rate of about 12%. Although Thailand’s share of total GMS arrivals has declined from 61% in 2004 to 51% in 2013, it remains the major international gateway to the subregion. By country, international tourist arrivals are growing fastest in Myanmar a result of the extensive political and economic reforms that began in 2011. While Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have a modest combined share (about 15%) of international arrivals, it is important to note that each received over 200 million domestic visitors in 2013. The number of annual domestic trips in Thailand (over 100 million) and Viet Nam (over 35 million) is also significant. (Source: United Nations World Tourism Organization. 2014. UNWTO Tourism Highlights, 2014 Edition)
In 2013 the GMS welcomed 51.7 million international tourist arrivals, representing a 3% share of the global market. Over 60% of international visitors originate in Asia and the Pacific, led by the PRC, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Viet Nam. In 2013 the PRC was the first or second largest source market in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam, and the third largest source market in the Lao PDR (Table 4). Thailand was the top source market for the Lao PDR and Myanmar, and visitors from Viet Nam formed the largest share of international tourist arrivals in Cambodia. Long haul source markets from Europe comprise approximately 20% of international tourist arrivals and those from the Americas about 7%. MEKONG TOURISM FORUM
The Mekong Tourism Forum provides a cooperative platform for stakeholders in the tourism industry to discuss the development, marketing and promotion of travel to, from and within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). It presents an inclusive, interactive and results-oriented opportunity to encourage public and private sector participation in representing the GMS as a single destination. Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) organized the first Mekong Tourism Forum in 1996 and led it for 10 consecutive years. The hosting of this influential annual event rotated among destinations within the GMS until 2005. In subsequent years private sector initiated events around the region continued to work towards the forum’s goals. The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)has revived the forum in 2010 taking place in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with the theme of “New Roads, New Opportunities”. Followed by MTF2011 “Destination Mekong: The Making of a Star” in Pakse, Laos, MTF2012 in Chiang Rai, Thailand with the theme of “20/20 Vision: Building on Two Decades of GMS Cooperation”, MTF2013 in Guilin, China with the theme ““The Rise of the Chinese traveller: Optimizing the impacts for the GMS”, and MTF2014 in Mandalay, Myanmar with the theme “Tourism investment for the protection of Heritage and Culture”. Six Nations Three Common Goals
The Mekong Tourism Forum works to achieve three main objectives:
To raise the profile of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) as a single tourist destination
To provide an industry-wide platform for the public and private sectors to address sub-regional tourism issues
To expand marketing networks and opportunities for promoting the GMS and its stakeholders, pool collective resources and create intra-industry synergy.
เปิดเหมือนปกติ
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office joins family and friends as they celebrate Visakha Bucha Day in honour of the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Buddha.
#tourismmekong
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office joins family and friends as they celebrate Visakha Bucha Day in honour of the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana of Buddha.
#tourismmekong
The full moon day of Kason falls this year on May 25.
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Mekong Tourism wishes you all a very happy Full Moon Day Kason.
The full moon day of Kason falls this year on May 25.
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Mekong Tourism wishes you all a very happy Full Moon Day Kason.
Still missing a good time in Cambodia?
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Here is a good news for everyone who is looking forward to visit Cambodia again.
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Tourism Minister Thong Khon said that the vaccinated foreign tourists may also be exempt from undergoing the 14-day quarantine upon arrival. This is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of this year. He added.
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https://bit.ly/3f6SYHF
#tourismmekong
Cambodia will allow foreign tourists who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 to visit the country’s most tourism attractive site – Angkor Archeological Park, in a move to revive the hard-hit tourism sector. Tourism Minister Thong Khon said that the vaccinated foreign tourists may also be exemp...
The Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, in cooperation with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, will hold the 47th Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Working Group and MTCO Board Meetings on 27 May 2021.
The Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, in cooperation with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), will hold the 47th Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Working Group (GMS TWG-47) and MTCO Board Meetings on 27 May 2021. The Meetings will gather together members of the GMS Tourism Work...
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office joins the people of #Cambodia in expressing sincere wishes to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni on the occasion of his birthday.
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Long live His Majesty the King of Cambodia.
#tourismmekong
The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office joins the people of #Cambodia in expressing sincere wishes to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni on the occasion of his birthday.
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Long live His Majesty the King of Cambodia.
#tourismmekong
Reimagining tourism: How Vietnam can accelerate travel recovery
"Looking ahead: Vietnam’s tourism industry can recover by 2024 if it implements a zero-case-first approach"
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/asia-pacific/reimagining-tourism-how-vietnam-can-accelerate-travel-recovery#
While domestic travel has kept the Vietnamese travel sector afloat, the industry needs to reinvent itself until international tourism resumes.
Happy Eid Mubarak to your family, friends, colleagues, and everyone from Mekong Tourism.
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May this joyous occasion bring light, health and happiness to you and your loved ones.
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#tourismmekong
Happy Eid Mubarak to your family, friends, colleagues, and everyone from Mekong Tourism.
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May this joyous occasion bring light, health and happiness to you and your loved ones.
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#tourismmekong
Interesting article by South China Morning Post revealing the atmosphere of China's domestic tourism during the past five-day Labour Day holiday and how are emerging trends growing tremendously in post-pandemic. https://bit.ly/3uubXBd
#tourismmekong
One travel industry analyst said there would be an ‘explosive’ increase in demand, possibly exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
An insightful snapshot report featured MeTAG member Ingo Schweder published by Horwath HTL, focusing on Health & Wellness in the hospitality sector during and post COVID-19 pandemic.
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Find out more: https://bit.ly/3tkGmQU
Official Website of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) - tourism collaboration framework by the six GMS governments of Cambodia, P.R. China (Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) Lao P.D.R, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam to market the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS) as a s...
Nice article by MeTAG member Bertie: https://mekongreview.com/this-small-town/
What Myanmar’s coup looks like far outside the cities
For MTCO and Destination Mekong, it was an honor to be selected as the Asia Pacific host of the 1st Strong Earth Youth Summit, organized by SUNx Malta, with hosts in the Americas (Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association) and Europe (Visit Malta). Congratulations to Geoff Lipman and Olly Wheatcroft in putting this together, and Gerrit Kruger from Destination Mekong for managing the logisitcs for the Asia Pacific portion of the virtual summit. You can watch the sessions at: https://youtu.be/kar3r5jaMMc?t=166
More information of this important movement at: https://www.thesunprogram.com/summit
#tourismmekong #ClimateFriendlyTravel
International Labour Day celebrates the contribution and sacrifice of workers for society.
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Wishing all a Happy Labour Day and continue to discover greatness in life.
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#tourismmekong #internationallabourday
International Labour Day celebrates the contribution and sacrifice of workers for society.
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Wishing all a Happy Labour Day and continue to discover greatness in life.
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#tourismmekong #internationallabourday
Reunification Day in Viet Nam, or Ngay Giai Phong, is a day of patriotic celebration for many Vietnamese people, officially recognized on 30 April each year.
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On this meaningful occasion, the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office joins the people of #Vietnam in the jubilation of its Reunification Day.
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#tourismmekong
Reunification Day in Viet Nam, or Ngay Giai Phong, is a day of patriotic celebration for many Vietnamese people, officially recognized on 30 April each year.
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On this meaningful occasion, the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office joins the people of #Vietnam in the jubilation of its Reunification Day.
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#tourismmekong
Since multiple countries worldwide eye to reopen their international travel, we bring you some inspirations for your next visits from our region with one of our member countries, #Vietnam.
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With its dizzying metropolises, blissful islands, immense national parks, and fabulous cuisine, Viet Nam is one of the tops many travellers' bucket lists, a nicely featured article by Lonely Planet.
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Find out more from this article where are the top ten best places to visit in the country. https://bit.ly/3xtPtlP
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#tourismmekong
With immense national parks, cool beachside cities and charming, chilled-out towns, Vietnam has it all. Here's our list of the top places to visit.
Have you signed up for the summit? Register today to join us on 29 & 30 April 2021 at https://bit.ly/32Aiuhb.
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#SEYS – The Strong Earth Youth Summit will be held in three different time regions of the world: British Columbia, Malta and Mekong.
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View the program here https://bit.ly/32Aiuhb
#StrongEarthYouthSummit #ClimateFriendlyTravel #TravelTomorrow #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ResponsibleTourism #SustainableDevelopment #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #Youth4Climate #RaceToZero #TravelEnjoyRespect #ActNow #tourismmekong
Have you signed up for the summit? Register today to join us on 29 & 30 April 2021 at https://bit.ly/32Aiuhb.
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#SEYS – The Strong Earth Youth Summit will be held in three different time regions of the world: British Columbia, Malta and Mekong.
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View the program here https://bit.ly/32Aiuhb
#StrongEarthYouthSummit #ClimateFriendlyTravel #TravelTomorrow #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ResponsibleTourism #SustainableDevelopment #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #Youth4Climate #RaceToZero #TravelEnjoyRespect #ActNow #tourismmekong
Don't miss out & join us on 29 & 30 April 2021. #SEYS – The Strong Earth Youth Summit will be held in three different time regions of the world: British Columbia | Malta | Mekong.
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For the 1st time, we'll bring together experts in the climate change and tourism field and students from our Diploma on Climate Friendly Travel.
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We are proud to be a part of the program, and together we can take the climate conversation further.
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View the Summit program and register today to join us! – https://bit.ly/32Aiuhb
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The time for the tourism sector to raise ambitions and lower emissions is NOW.
SUNx Malta
#StrongEarthYouthSummit #ClimateFriendlyTravel #TravelTomorrow #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ResponsibleTourism #SustainableDevelopment #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #Youth4Climate #RaceToZero #TravelEnjoyRespect #ActNow #tourismmekong
Don't miss out & join us on 29 & 30 April 2021. #SEYS – The Strong Earth Youth Summit will be held in three different time regions of the world: British Columbia | Malta | Mekong.
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For the 1st time, we'll bring together experts in the climate change and tourism field and students from our Diploma on Climate Friendly Travel.
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We are proud to be a part of the program, and together we can take the climate conversation further.
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View the Summit program and register today to join us! – https://bit.ly/32Aiuhb
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The time for the tourism sector to raise ambitions and lower emissions is NOW.
SUNx Malta
#StrongEarthYouthSummit #ClimateFriendlyTravel #TravelTomorrow #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis #ResponsibleTourism #SustainableDevelopment #SustainableDevelopmentGoals #Youth4Climate #RaceToZero #TravelEnjoyRespect #ActNow #tourismmekong
April 13 marks the New Year, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office wishes our friends, partners and everyone a happy and safe Songkran Festival celebration!
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As we usher in the new year, may one and all be blessed with good health and prosperity.
Soursdey Chnam Thmey!
Sok Dee Pii Mai!
Hnit Thit Ku Mingalar Pa!
Sawasdee Pii Mai!
#tourismmekong #HappySongkran
April 13 marks the New Year, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office wishes our friends, partners and everyone a happy and safe Songkran Festival celebration!
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As we usher in the new year, may one and all be blessed with good health and prosperity.
Soursdey Chnam Thmey!
Sok Dee Pii Mai!
Hnit Thit Ku Mingalar Pa!
Sawasdee Pii Mai!
#tourismmekong #HappySongkran
Mekong Tourism stands in solidarity with friends and colleagues as they honour those who have passed in this year's Qingming Festival.
#tourismmekong #QingmingFestival
Mekong Tourism stands in solidarity with friends and colleagues as they honour those who have passed in this year's Qingming Festival.
#tourismmekong #QingmingFestival
The UNWTO Regional Support Office for Asia and the Pacific has a vacancy for Deputy Manager Program & Public Relations, based in Japan. Applications close on May 5.
Please see more information at:https://unwto-ap.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/0406_Deputy-Manager-RSOAP_2021.pdf
Chakri Memorial Day is observed on 6th April to commemorate the contribution of the kings of the Chakri dynasty, who have been ruling Thailand since 1782.
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The day is a medium for the faithful people of Thailand to express their love and reverence to the kings.
#tourismmekong
Chakri Memorial Day is observed on 6th April to commemorate the contribution of the kings of the Chakri dynasty, who have been ruling Thailand since 1782.
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The day is a medium for the faithful people of Thailand to express their love and reverence to the kings.
#tourismmekong
The latest promotional video of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, #Cambodia nicely featured by BBC in cooperation with ក្រសួងទេសចរណ៍ Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia. Check it out via the link below and enjoy watching! bit.ly/3unTCFi
#tourismmekong
The Greater Mekong Subregion 2030 and Beyond: Integration, Upgrading, Cities, and Connectivity
This publication provides an analysis of key challenges and opportunities for the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to realize its development goals by 2030 and beyond.
Mekong Tourism is working hard with the member countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion. The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank Greater Mekong Subregion Program, is working on a Mekong Tourism Recovery Communications Plan. Consultative workshops are in full swing - pictured is the interactive session with Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Looking at some foodie experiences for your next travels? 🧐 Maybe check out this inspiration from #Vietnam. 🇻🇳
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https://bit.ly/3u4tTS5
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#tourismmekong
Vietnamese cuisine was the world's ninth most popular on Instagram in 2020, reaffirming its rising popularity among food lovers, a study found.
Newly launched promotional video from Amazing Thailand
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The wait is over. Stay tuned to experience the new Amazing Moments in Thailand. #AmazingThailand #AmazingMoments #ToBeContinued #tourismmekong
On March 19, our Executive Director was invited to join as one of the keynote speakers for the Mekong Institute’s online training program on “Designing and Building Digital Interactive Infrastructure to Seize Opportunities in the Post-Pandemic World” under the topic of 'COVID-19 and Tourism in the Mekong region: Challenges and Opportunities for the youth' to share some of the private sector framework initiatives Destination Mekong aligning with the Mekong Tourism strategic framework for tourism recovery strategy in the region with students from Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
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Thank you, Mekong Institute, for inviting us, and we hope that this event will benefit the younger generation in the region as a capacity building program for their future career.
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#tourismmekong
"It is vital private sector players step up their game to coordinate unified tourism recovery across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries in the wake of change at Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), say regional stakeholders.
In the interim, regional tourism stakeholders say now is the time for the industry to unite and strengthen the innovative framework Thraenhart has created through MTCO; the secretariat of GMS Tourism Working Group of the six governments; and Destination Mekong, a DMO driven by the private sector; to move forward."
https://www.ttgasia.com/2021/03/24/public-private-partnerships-key-to-mekongs-tourism-recovery/
It is vital private sector players step up their game to coordinate unified tourism recovery across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries in the wake of change at Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), say regional stakeholders.
Thank you, ASSET H&C, for the great support and for spreading the words.
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If you haven't had a chance to vote for this year Experience Mekong Showcases, please go to https://www.destinationmekong.com/experience-mekong-showcases2021-voting/?fbclid=IwAR0Ysatj3py_gK2TGLiOyQoy7WeVhQqQCcWTmMermFQ6YP0chNoerXcTqBA to give your favourite one voted.
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Your support means a lot to all small businesses in the region, especially during these challenging times.
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Voting is live until March 31.
#tourismmekong
#experiencemekong
Support the training of disadvantaged youth by voting for our three members shortlisted for the Experience Mekong Showcases 2021.
Click on the link below and vote for Sala Baï Hotel & Restaurant School in Cambodia, Sanon Restaurant in Myanmar and HCTC - Passport : School, Restaurant & Hotel in Thailand
https://www.destinationmekong.com/experience-mekong-showcases2021-voting/
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
Mekong Tourism is visiting travel businesses, partners, and friends in Chiang Mai on March 23-27, 2021.
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Please contact us to set up a meeting. We look forward to seeing you.
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Contact us: [email protected]
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#tourismmekong
Mekong Tourism is visiting travel businesses, partners, and friends in Chiang Mai on March 23-27, 2021.
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Please contact us to set up a meeting. We look forward to seeing you.
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Contact us: [email protected]
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#tourismmekong
Department Of Tourism, Rattaprasasan Phakdi Building, Chaengwattana Road
Bangkok
10210
รับทราบข่าวสารและโปรโมชั่นของ Mekong Tourism Coordinating Officeผ่านทางอีเมล์ของคุณ เราจะเก็บข้อมูลของคุณเป็นความลับ คุณสามารถกดยกเลิกการติดตามได้ตลอดเวลา
ส่งข้อความของคุณถึง Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office:
We want to invite you to join us to our VERY SPECIAL 4th MeTAG Meeting – Thursday, June 4 at 4pm Bangkok time - Mekong Tourism Strategy Roundtable with Ms. Anna Pollock Thursday, June 4 at 4pm Bangkok time Anna will talk about Regenerative Tourism as the Maturity of Sustainability in a post Covid-19 world, in a reality of rebuilding tourism in the Mekong Region. (https://medium.com/activate-the-future/regenerative-tourism-the-natural-maturation-of-sustainability-26e6507d0fcb)
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office panel discussion - Roundtable: DMOs & the State of In-Destination in Asia at Arival Bangkok, June 25.
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office panel discussion on digital tourism at ASEAN Tourism 2019 on June 20, 2019 in Bangkok.
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office media briefing at TTM+2019 on June 5, 2019 in Pattaya.
The 2019 Mekong Tourism Forum in Dali, Yunnan, PR China. Live streaming of the first day of the conference at the Dali Convention Center. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China and the People's Government of Yunnan Province, in collaboration with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. #tourismmekong #gms #mekongtourismforum #china #yunnan #dali
MTCO press conference at ATF #MekongMinis2019
ศูนย์ปราบปรามอาชญากรรมทางเทคโนโลยีสารสนเทศ สำ
สำนักงานตำรวจแห่งชาติTICAC-Thailand Internet Crimes Against Childr
Rama I Rd, Pathum WanYork St John University Thailand
level 12 , Zen World ,4, 4-5 Rajadamri Road PhatumwanInstitute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engine
Institute of biotechnology and genetic engineering
Surgical Endoscopy Chulalongkorn Hospital
1873 Rama 4 Rd. Pathum Wan
Embassy of Luxembourg in Thailand
Q House Lumpini, 1 South Sathorn Road