Tourism leaders, policymakers and industry stakeholders gathered in Yangon to discuss people-centred tourism, cultural preservation, community development and regional cooperation across the Greater Mekong Subregion.
People-centred tourism was the focus of discussions at Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2026, which brought together tourism leaders, government officials, academics, development organisations, entrepreneurs, artists and community representatives in Yangon, Myanmar.
Hosted by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar in collaboration with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), the forum was held under the theme “Tourism for People, Travel with Purpose”. Participants explored how tourism can support community well-being, cultural preservation, environmental stewardship and economic development across the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Regional cooperation takes centre stage
The forum opened with remarks from H.E. Maung Myint, Union Minister of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, and H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism of Cambodia. Both highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and sustainable tourism development.
Suvimol “Dee” Thanasarakij, Executive Director of MTCO, emphasised the value of collaboration among governments, tourism businesses, educational institutions, development agencies and local communities. Throughout the forum, discussions focused on strengthening tourism partnerships and knowledge sharing across the region.
The keynote address was delivered by Masaru Takayama, Chairperson of the Global Ecotourism Network and Advisor to the Asian Ecotourism Network. He encouraged delegates to view tourism through the interconnected pillars of conservation, community, culture and commerce.
Industry perspectives were also shared by Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhya, Head of Country Representative, Thailand, for AirAsia MOVE, who discussed changing traveller expectations and the growing demand for authentic and meaningful travel experiences.
Tourism with communities at its core
A key session examined how tourism can create wider social benefits through inclusion, accessibility, workforce development and community empowerment.
The panel featured Thiri Aung, CEO and Founder of Women Transforming Myanmar; Phan Thanh Ha, Project Manager at ASSET-H&C; Sokny Onn, CEO of Epic Arts; and Koko Tang, Founder of Colorful Earth.
Speakers highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for women, investing in education and skills development, improving accessibility for people of all abilities and strengthening the relationship between tourism, biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Discussions reinforced the need for long-term commitment to community participation and equitable tourism development throughout the region.
Culture, creativity and tourism development
A second panel focused on the role of living culture and creative expression in tourism. Participants explored ways to preserve heritage while ensuring local communities remain central to cultural tourism experiences.
The session featured Zhu Jinsheng of Guilin Tourism University, Thuy An Phan of Thai Hai Village in Vietnam, Maulita Sari Hani of Planeterra and Ohnmar Myo of SEAMEO SPAFA.
Speakers discussed heritage preservation, cultural interpretation and community-led tourism initiatives that generate social, environmental and economic benefits.
The forum also hosted the GMS Gastronomy Tourism Exhibition, which showcased local food traditions and culinary experiences from across the Greater Mekong Subregion. In addition, the Art for Tourism exhibition presented works by Myanmar artists depicting iconic destinations including Shwedagon Pagoda, Bagan, Inle Lake and Mandalay Palace.
Looking ahead to MTF 2027
Delegates also participated in a technical tour to Bago, where they explored examples of cultural tourism and heritage preservation in practice.
The forum concluded with a handover ceremony in which Myanmar officially passed hosting responsibilities to Thailand. The Mekong Tourism Forum 2027 will take place in Chiang Rai.
As the event closed, participants reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing tourism that delivers benefits for local communities, protects cultural heritage and supports sustainable development across the Greater Mekong Subregion.