The Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2026 <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmekongtourism.org%2Fmekong-tourism-forum-2026%2F&key=fdfc297c8ab5506c8ee77917f6c3d66c56d3656c> <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmekongtourism.org%2Fmekong-tourism-forum-2026%2F&key=fdfc297c8ab5506c8ee77917f6c3d66c56d3656c>will take place from 16 – 18 June in Yangon, Myanmar, bringing together public and private stakeholders to explore how tourism can deliver real value for people and places. Under the theme *“Tourism for People, Travel with Purpose,”* this year’s Forum moves beyond concepts to practical insights. Highlights include a keynote by Willem Niemeijer on tourism as a force for good, market-driven perspectives from AirAsia MOVE, and grounded experiences from Local Alike. A dedicated session by ASEANTA will also explore how connectivity, partnerships, and aviation can unlock multi-country travel across the Mekong. Hosted at the Pan Pacific Yangon in the heart of the city, delegates will experience a curated gastronomy showcase and technical visits to key cultural and community sites with compelling local stories. With limited places available and special hotel rates secured for delegates, early registration is strongly encouraged. Register <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmekongtourism.org%2Fregistration-2026%2F&key=be749a338bfe481e6d3c998734a0ae640dd852b9> now to secure your complimentary spot. Perched on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, Shangri-La is where snow-capped peaks meet alpine lakes, vast grasslands, and deep Tibetan culture. In May, rhododendrons blanket the mountains in vivid colour, while Pudacuo National Park offers a serene high-altitude escape of pristine lakes and forest. Dramatic canyons, sacred peaks, and the seasonal beauty of Napa Lake complete the picture. For travellers seeking purposeful, nature-based experiences, Shangri-La is one of the Greater Mekong Subregion's most compelling destinations. (Visit Yunnan China) <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.visityunnanchina.com%2Fexperiences%2Fdestination%2Fmay-shangri-la-0&key=eac2f1d4cd4523cd9fb5022b06f53ba6b9e7a852> *Thailand shifts to value-driven tourism strategy* Thailand has unveiled a new tourism policy prioritizing value over volume, with stronger infrastructure, balanced destination management, and higher-quality visitor segments to ensure sustainable, long-term growth and regional competitiveness. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthailand.prd.go.th%2Fen%2Fcontent%2Fcategory%2Fdetail%2Fid%2F2078%2Fiid%2F492996%23%3A%7E%3Atext%3DThailand%2520is%2520targeting%2520a%2520%2522365%2Cmore%2520sustainably%2520across%2520the%2520country&key=3fdaec33f0be70ef34d0cdfab37a1f40d8753c23> *Cambodia cleans up rivers to boost sustainable tourism* Cambodia has launched a nationwide river clean-up campaign to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable river tourism, encouraging tourism operators and communities to adopt the “4Rs” approach across key destinations. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkiripost.com%2Fstories%2Fcambodia-cleans-up-rivers-to-boost-river-tourism&key=a1cb4131b1a49628eb6cf5a39f5770e255a4449e> *Viet Nam advances green transition through global partnerships* Viet Nam is strengthening its green transition through deeper cooperation with Australia, unlocking opportunities in sustainable development, innovation, and investment while supporting low-carbon tourism and long-term sector resilience. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.vietnamplus.vn%2Fgreen-transition-offers-opportunities-for-stronger-vietnamaustralia-cooperation-post340794.vnp&key=5f3139c3e05f4a385d488da8d186254e3d1dd1a0> *5 and 13 May* *Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Thailand and Cambodia *An ancient royal tradition signaling the start of the rice-growing season, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony takes place on 5 May and 13 May in Cambodia and Thailand respectively. The ritual blends spiritual beliefs and agriculture, highlighting the region’s deep cultural connection to farming. (Thailand Now) <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thailandnow.in.th%2Fevent%2Fthe-royal-ploughing-ceremony%2F&key=3835633b30930661cffa6b8df906c71895022c9b> *9 – 11 May* *Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival), Lao PDR *Celebrated across Lao PDR throughout May 2026, Bun Bang Fai marks the start of the rainy season with vibrant parades and dramatic rocket launches. Rooted in agricultural tradition, communities send handmade rockets skyward to call for rain and a prosperous rice harvest. (Tourism Laos) <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tourismlaos.org%2Fevent%2Fboun-bang-fai-rocket-festival%2F&key=1e7571d8dff0d0a789e989654a8a54f27bae01d6> *1 - 31 May* *Dong Thap Lotus Festival, Viet Nam *The Dong Thap Lotus Festival showcases the cultural and economic value of the lotus through exhibitions, culinary experiences, and community events. Held in Cao Lanh City, the festival highlights the Mekong Delta’s identity while promoting sustainable, agriculture-based tourism. (Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism) <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvietnam.travel%2Fthings-to-do%2Ffestival-event%2F3rd-dong-thap-lotus-festival%3Fmonth%3Dmay%26year%3D2026&key=8816f29393ff093f773b8e19804ae40a7810c29f> <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnumwhannoababy%40gmail.com&key=2868984a1be15198117f4d8d95b773f930e89b92> *Cambodia* - Kep plans Southeast Asia’s first underwater museum, blending art with marine conservation to create a living ocean ecosystem. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fkiripost.com%2Fstories%2Fkep-dives-into-future-with-underwater-museum-that-redefines-art-and-oceans&key=1883722384acb4ba5471279da837eebc0d3933c2> - Cambodia Tourism Board launches a programme to support international film productions in scouting and showcasing Cambodia as a global filming destination. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.khmertimeskh.com%2F501884388%2Fctb-launches-cambodia-location-scouting-programme%2F&key=94d95c07c6495bcb6f28bbf6c58201c5e661edd1> *China PR* - Yunnan's Cangshan Mountain has undergone its first comprehensive wildlife and ecological survey in over 40 years, confirming it as a major biodiversity hotspot. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chinadaily.com.cn%2Fa%2F202604%2F10%2FWS69d8b2c5a310d6866eb42c2c.html&key=2a69b62bfbeeef902ebf867dfd77c88067d64534> - China’s Guangxi hosts 2026 border festival launch, strengthening Viet Nam ties through cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvietnamnews.vn%2Fpolitics-laws%2F1779662%2Fviet-nam-s-top-leader-attends-launch-of-viet-nam-china-border-people-s-festival-2026.html&key=7aa4742ceff28571c7f268149b945cd1c6a292bb> *Lao PDR* - Lao PDR launches new climate project to support vulnerable communities in Northern Laos. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Flaotiantimes.com%2F2026%2F04%2F24%2Flaos-launches-new-climate-project-to-support-vulnerable-communities-in-northern-laos%2F&key=679941225a3e750bf8bb4eaf174ce8eb188577b9> - Lao PDR and China launch a new cross-border bus route linking Yunnan and Luang Namtha to improve connectivity, tourism, and trade. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Flaotiantimes.com%2F2026%2F04%2F13%2Flaos-china-launch-new-cross-border-bus-route-linking-yunnan-to-luang-namtha%2F&key=4b67dfbd462dbc2039248e88f6e546c25835dd3f> *Myanmar* - Myanmar Airways resumes flights to Myitkyina and Putao, improving connectivity and supporting domestic travel recovery. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thestar.com.my%2Faseanplus%2Faseanplus-news%2F2026%2F04%2F05%2Fmyanmar-airways-to-resume-flights-to-myitkyina-and-putao-from-april-7%23goog_rewarded&key=2bf8b127bba6c68bf7abcc9a3d096b8c56c5b6a0> - Myanmar launches an online tourism digital marketing course in May to build industry skills in AI, social media, and online promotion. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gnlm.com.mm%2Ftourism-digital-marketing-basic-online-course-opens-in-may%2F&key=e268b8cc4b9d200c77a052a74e368c2e604ea4eb> *Thailand* - Thailand opens a new Nong Khai bypass to reduce congestion and speed up travel and cross-border trade with Lao PDR. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Flaotiantimes.com%2F2026%2F04%2F25%2Fnew-nong-khai-bypass-opens-cutting-travel-time-for-thai-lao-trade%2F&key=7e3d2a11acde3955b4c5ef289396c9e0f5c261c3> - Thailand plans to develop its 118 natural hot springs into global wellness tourism destinations, highlighting their health benefits and economic potential. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationthailand.com%2Fblogs%2Fhealth-wellness%2F40065498&key=ce7949c54ec3f05c770036df694f847f72fd89f9> *Viet Nam* - Viet Nam and China launch a 14-day training and exchange programme on using AI and data to develop and enhance cross-border tourism. Read more <https://info_mekongtourism_mtco_org-dot-mm-event3.appspot.com/em_1XWhLBOA9D5b55CGDgPR?url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.vietnamplus.vn%2Fvietnam-china-promote-ai-application-in-cross-border-tourism-cooperation-post340669.vnp&key=320b11de930a0095a26e2893fb483a0675d2a586> - Viet Nam requires all foreign travelers arriving at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport to complete a digital arrival card before entry to streamline immigration. 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