(KPL) The 2025 Mekong Tourism Forum concluded successfully in Luang Prabang on June 26, with Laos officially handing over the Mekong Tourism Forum flag to Myanmar, the designated host for the 2026 edition.

The handover ceremony was led by Ms. Phonmaly Inthapom, Director General of the Tourism Development Department under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and received by U Maung Maung Kyaw, head of the delegation from Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. Officials from both countries were present to witness the event.

In her remarks, Ms. Phonmaly praised the active participation and collaboration of Mekong member states at the 2025 forum, held under the theme “Travel Together, Grow Together” from June 24–27. The event aimed to foster regional tourism growth through solidarity, trust, mutual understanding, and respect.

Key activities included high-level conferences, tourism product exhibitions, and themed study tours highlighting culinary tourism, agritourism, sustainable travel, heritage and culture, and visits to iconic destinations across Luang Prabang Province.

Ms. Phonmaly also noted that the forum demonstrated growing collaboration between the public and private sectors in building sustainable tourism, enhancing services, and improving community well-being in the Mekong subregion.

She expressed confidence in Myanmar’s upcoming role as host in 2026, emphasizing that continued regional cooperation will be crucial to strengthening tourism and unity across the Mekong region.

KPL