The Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2023, co-organised by the Mekong
Tourism Coordinating Office and hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of
Cambodia, is set to take place from 25-27 April in Sihanoukville city,
Cambodia.
The 2023 edition, themed 'Rethinking for Resilience and
Digitalisation', seeks to provide valuable insights and discussions on
how the tourism industry in China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand,
and Vietnam can adapt and thrive in the post-pandemic era while
promoting sustainability and digitalisation.
“The post-Covid-19 tourism landscape now provides clear opportunities
for us to take stock and rethink tourism for the better,” said Thong
Khon, Minister of Tourism for Cambodia.
The conference programme will address a variety of topics, including
job creation, gender equality, food safety and hygiene, digital
transformation, and a more geographically dispersed tourism approach.
A key focus area at MTF 2023 is the need to prioritise people and the
planet in tourism, promoting the spread of tourism benefits beyond
popular tourist hotspots.
The forum will also address the importance of developing local food
production networks with a focus on safety and hygiene while reducing
food waste. This issue has become increasingly significant in the
context of the Covid-19 pandemic, where food safety and hygiene have
become major concerns for tourists. Supporting local food producers can
also contribute to the development of sustainable and responsible
tourism.
Digital transformation is another significant area of focus at MTF
2023, with the need to use new technology to boost tourism startups and
small- and medium-sized businesses. Delegates will discuss the use of
digital platforms to promote tourism products and services, enhance
customer experience, and improve efficiency and productivity.
Improving training is also a critical issue, with the need to ensure
that tourism workers have the skills to adapt to the changing tourism
landscape. Providing training on sustainability, digitalisation, and
customer service, among other topics, is crucial to achieving this goal.
The forum will additionally seek to promote equality of opportunity
and fair treatment for women in the tourism industry, as women are often
underrepresented in leadership positions and face a range of
challenges, including discrimination and unequal pay. MTF 2023 will
include a panel session on women's empowerment in tourism in the region.
The host destination, Preah Sihanouk province, will showcase its
sustainable tourism practices, including community-based ecotourism
exploration, mangrove tours, and kayaking. Delegates will also have the
opportunity to join local excursions and post-tours, such as the
Sihanoukville city tour, Koh Rong Island, and diving.
MTF 2023 will also host a Sustainable Tourism Exhibit featuring over
20 exhibitors showcasing responsible and sustainable tourism,
community-based tourism, and local community products. The exhibit will
run on 25 and 26 April.