The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) and digital travel platform Agoda teamed up to strengthen the digital capabilities of micro, small and medium-scale accommodation providers across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
The regional E-commerce Training for MSME Accommodation Providers in the Greater Mekong Subregion will commence this Thursday, 18th September, with the Thailand session, marking the beginning of a series running through November.
MTCO executive director Suvimol Thanasarakij said: “We are delighted to partner with Agoda on this important initiative. By working together across borders, we can ensure that small operators in our region are equipped with the digital tools they need to connect with global travelers and share the unique experiences of the Mekong.”
Agoda chief commercial officer Damien Pfirsch added: “This partnership with MTCO reflects our dedication to small businesses and our tech-first approach. We expect this initiative to help bring global visibility to these accommodations and help distribute economic benefits across the GMS.”
The training series will run from September to November 2025, beginning in Thailand before expanding to Cambodia, Viet Nam, Lao PDR, and China (Yunnan & Guangxi).
These workshops are expected to lay the groundwork for stronger, digitally enabled tourism businesses, helping those in the GMS meet rising visitor demand while supporting sustainable growth and regional competitiveness.
A storied first
This marks the first collaboration between MTCO, Agoda, and the GMS National Tourism Organizations of Cambodia, China (Yunnan and Guangxi), Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
The programme supports homestays, ecolodges, and guesthouses in rural and secondary destinations, essentially enterprises that are vital to inclusive and community-based tourism in the GMS and stand to benefit from stronger digital engagement in the global marketplace.
By strengthening capacity at the grassroots level, the training will help accommodation providers across the Mekong region prepare to welcome the growing number of visitors by enhancing their online presence, competitiveness, and business sustainability.
That said, this initiative represents a milestone in regional tourism cooperation, showcasing the value of public–private partnerships in advancing digital transformation and inclusive tourism.
Delivered online in local languages and tailored to each location, the workshops provide participants with practical skills to create and manage listings on online travel agency platforms like Agoda.
The training will cover uploading room inventory and images, managing availability and pricing, implementing promotions, and engaging effectively with customer reviews.
