YANGON, Myanmar — Tourism leaders from across Southeast Asia have gathered in Myanmar as the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2026 returns with a renewed focus on people-first tourism, sustainable development and meaningful travel experiences. Held in Yangon from 16–18 June 2026, this year’s forum places communities, culture and local livelihoods at the heart of the region’s tourism recovery and long-term growth.
Under the theme “Tourism for People, Travel with Purpose,” the annual gathering brings together government officials, destination marketers, tourism businesses, development partners and community representatives from across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to explore how tourism can deliver broader social and economic benefits while protecting cultural heritage and natural assets.
Delegates arriving for the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF 2026) are welcomed at Yangon International Airport by liaison officers from the Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture of Myanmar.
A regional tourism platform with three decades of collaboration
Founded by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in 1996 and revitalised by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) in 2010, the Mekong Tourism Forum has become one of the region’s most influential tourism events. The forum promotes cooperation among the six Greater Mekong Subregion members while encouraging joint destination marketing and sustainable tourism development.
Rather than promoting destinations individually, the forum continues to position the Greater Mekong Subregion as a connected travel experience, encouraging visitors to explore multiple countries through shared cultural, natural and culinary experiences.
Myanmar hosts tourism leaders after successful Laos forum
This year’s gathering follows the successful MTF 2025 in Luang Prabang, Laos, where delegates met under the theme “United Journey – Stronger Together” to support implementation of the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030.
Myanmar now takes the hosting role as regional tourism continues to recover, offering an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and discuss how tourism can become more inclusive, resilient and community-focused.
Tourism trends, destination marketing and community experiences
The forum programme combines high-level policy discussions with practical industry insights.
Highlights include:
- Keynote presentations on the future of tourism
- Tourism outlook and travel trend analysis focused on purpose-driven travellers
- Experience-sharing sessions featuring successful community-based tourism initiatives
- Panel discussions exploring people-centred tourism and the role of living culture in visitor experiences
- Professional networking among public and private sector tourism stakeholders
- A three-day Greater Mekong Subregion Gastronomy Tourism Exhibition showcasing regional culinary heritage
Ahead of the main forum, delegates also participated in a technical workshop examining evidence-based destination marketing, helping tourism organisations strengthen market intelligence, visitor insights and campaign planning.
Welcome Performance by the Master of Ceremonies and Performance Team
Opening remarks by U Maung Myint, Union Minister for Hotels, Tourism and Culture of Myanmar
Opening the forum, U Maung Myint said the Mekong Tourism Forum has become an important platform for strengthening regional cooperation, encouraging innovation and advancing a shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism development across the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Tourism policy and industry meet under one roof
The Mekong Tourism Forum is held alongside the 57th Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Working Group (TWG) Meeting and the MTCO Board Meeting, reinforcing its dual role as both an industry conference and a regional policy platform.
By bringing together government agencies, tourism boards, private-sector operators and development organisations, the forum provides opportunities to align tourism strategies while encouraging cross-border cooperation throughout the Greater Mekong Subregion.
Putting people at the centre of tourism
The central message of MTF 2026 is that successful tourism begins with local communities.
Organisers say tourism should support local livelihoods, preserve traditions and heritage, encourage authentic cultural exchange and generate long-term benefits for host destinations. The emphasis on purpose-driven travel reflects growing demand from travellers seeking experiences that create positive impacts while fostering deeper connections with local people and places.
As tourism across Southeast Asia continues to evolve, the Mekong Tourism Forum remains an important platform for shaping a more sustainable and collaborative future for one of Asia’s most culturally diverse regions.
At a Glance
Event: Mekong Tourism Forum 2026
Theme: Tourism for People, Travel with Purpose
Dates: 16–18 June 2026
Venue: Yangon, Myanmar
Organisers:
- Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture of Myanmar
- Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
- National Tourism Organisations of the Greater Mekong Subregion
Key Focus Areas:
- Purpose-driven travel
- Sustainable tourism
- Community-based tourism
- Destination marketing
- Gastronomy tourism
- Regional tourism cooperation
