Event Overview
The Ministry of Tourism announced preparations for Cambodia to host the 51st Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Working Group Meeting and the 2023 Mekong Tourism Forum in Preah Sihanouk province at the end of April 2023. The events are intended to serve as a platform to showcase Cambodia’s tourism offerings and attract increased numbers of international visitors.
Planned Meetings and Participation
According to the General Department of Tourism Development and International Cooperation, the 51st GMS Tourism Working Group Meeting is scheduled for 25 April 2023. Participation is expected at the Head of National Tourism Organization (Head NTO) level and by technical officials, with a total of around 80 participants.
The 2023 Mekong Tourism Forum is scheduled for 26 April 2023. It is expected to gather delegates from GMS member countries, private sector representatives, national and international media, with around 180 delegates and approximately 30 media representatives in attendance.
Sustainable Tourism Exhibition and Promotional Activities
In conjunction with the forum, a Sustainable Tourism Exhibition will be organized at the Independence Hotel with 20 exhibition booths. Six of these booths will be designed by the Ministry of Tourism for GMS member countries. The exhibition will include displays of new tourism destinations from GMS member countries, based on photographic materials provided by each country.
The program also includes study visits on land and to islands and coastal areas for international delegates. These visits are intended to promote well-known tourism sites in Preah Sihanouk province to both national and international delegates and media representatives.
Strategic Significance for Cambodia’s Tourism Promotion
Minister of Tourism Thong Khon characterized these events as an important opportunity to promote Cambodia’s tourism potential to international delegates and overseas tourism markets. The hosting of the GMS Tourism Working Group Meeting and Mekong Tourism Forum is expected to contribute to increased visibility of Cambodia’s destinations, particularly in Preah Sihanouk province.
Official Source
This information is based on an official announcement published by the Ministry of Tourism on its verified Facebook page on 27 March 2023.
