Mekong Tourism Forum 2011 to Showcase Emerging Destinations

The 2011 edition of the Mekong Tourism Forum will take place in the emerging destination of Pakse, southern Laos, 27-28 May. Under the theme, "Destination Mekong: The Making of a Star," the leading tourism event for the Mekong region will showcase emerging destinations and trends in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS).

"The Forum is the event of the year for travel industry professional dedicated to putting the GMS on the global travel map as a single destination," said Mason Florence, executive director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office in Bangkok. "Tourism leaders from the public and private sectors and regional development partners realize that the Forum is the ideal place for travel industry people who are serious about exploring the region's cross-border potential."

As part of Forum there will be a Mekong Travel Fair with 80 booths, a Lao Food Festival, a special session on social media for the travel industry, a mini marathon and three complementary post-Forum tours. The event is being hosted by the Lao National Tourism Administration.

A special Early Bird registration fee of just US$200 applies up to 30 April. From 1 May the full fee of US$300 will be charged. The registration fee includes admission to the two-day conference sessions, proceedings, refreshment breaks, luncheons, dinners and receptions as indicated in the official programme.

"The Mekong Tourism Forum provides great inspiration to companies seeking to innovate and grow across the Greater Mekong Region," said Willem Niemeijer, CEO and co-founder of Khiri Group. "Last year the Forum proved to be a great source of synergy between grass roots operators, multi-national hotel chains, destination management companies, NGOs, government bodies and the media. I have the same high expectations of this year's Forum in the emerging destination of Pakse."

Attendees, from travel companies to NGOs and handicraft sellers can also take a booth at the Forum's Mekong Travel Fair in the same venue, the Champasak Grand Hotel. Booths cost just US$200 for both days, which includes two exhibitor badges for the Mekong Travel Fair (not the Forum).The Champasak Grand Hotel is offering a special rate of US$39 per room (single or double), including breakfast and free internet connectivity for MTF attendees who book here.

Source = etravelblackboardasia