Tourism leaders and experts from the Greater Mekong Subregion will gather in Yangon from 16–18 June 2026 for the Mekong Tourism Forum 2026. Organised by Myanmar's Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, the event will focus on how tourism can benefit local communities, preserve culture, and meet modern travellers' expectations.

Held at the Pan Pacific Hotel, the forum will feature keynote presentations, industry sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. A pre-forum workshop will address evidence-based destination marketing and cross-border collaboration. The event will spotlight changemakers from the Mekong region, including practitioners and community leaders from Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Masaru Takayama will deliver the opening keynote, "Tourism for People: From Principles to Lasting Impact," discussing tourism's role in conservation, community, culture, and commerce. Other speakers will represent organisations like AirAsia MOVE, Planeterra, and the Asian Ecotourism Network, covering topics such as community-based tourism and regional cooperation.

Delegates will also experience Yangon through cultural activities and technical visits, highlighting the city's heritage and traditions. A gastronomy exhibition will celebrate the culinary diversity of the Greater Mekong Subregion.

"Tourism is one of the few sectors where local communities can directly benefit from human connection, cultural exchange, and shared experiences," said Dee Suvimol Thanasarakij, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. Registration for the forum is complimentary and open now

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