Launch of Joint Tourism Strategy in Greater Mekong Subregion
The countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) introduced the final draft of the Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Strategy 2030 today, June 26. This document was shared with attendees at the 2025 Mekong Tourism Forum in Luang Prabang.
The strategy aims to enhance sustainable tourism development, strengthen cooperation among member nations, and promote secondary destinations within the GMS.
Developed collectively by the GMS Tourism Working Group, which comprises senior tourism officials from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, along with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) and support from the GMS Economic Cooperation Program, the strategy builds upon previous regional initiatives by incorporating extensive input from stakeholders across tourism and related sectors.
Key programs will focus on:
- Building sustainable destinations
- Developing human resources in tourism
- Increasing collaborative efforts and regional marketing
The strategy encompasses themes such as digital transformation, environmental responsibility, inclusivity, and the promotion of private sector growth.
Suvimol Thanasarakij, MTCO executive director, remarked, “The GMS Tourism Strategy 2030 is a practical roadmap with a shared vision for the region. It represents our collective commitment to tackling common challenges and unlocking tourism’s potential for the benefit of local communities, businesses, and travelers. We are proud to facilitate this journey through collaboration and strategic dialogue.”
The forum today saw the participation of over 230 delegates from 20 countries and 92 organizations, including government bodies, tourism enterprises, development partners, civil society, and media. The theme of the event, United Journey: Stronger Together, underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in shaping the future of tourism in the region.
Tourism remains a vital economic driver within the GMS, with international arrivals expected to exceed 69 million in 2024, signaling a robust recovery toward pre-pandemic levels. Intra-GMS travel accounted for approximately 9.5 million trips in 2023, and projections by the World Travel & Tourism Council estimate the Mekong visitor economy will reach USD 200 billion annually by 2030.
