Amadeus backs Mekong seminar

26 Sep 2017 2043 | World Travel News

BANGKOK Amadeus and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) are jointly organising the first Mekong Trends Aviation Seminar, in Bangkok, 10 October.

They are inviting industry leaders to attend from the six member countries of the Mekong Region; Cambodia, China (Yunnan and Guang Xi provinces) Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam

The inaugural Mekong Trends Aviation Seminar will highlight the key insights of the recently published Mekong Trends Snapshot on Air Transport in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS).

The study identified progress made to fill in missing routes to provide better airline links between tourist destinations in the Mekong Region. But it also recognised the challenges facing airports and the investment needed to upgrade facilities to serve the growing number of airlines serving Mekong region destinations.

Highlights of the report, that was first introduced to delegates attending the Mekong Tourisim Forum in Luang Prabang in June, will be presented and discussed in details by a panel of experts at the seminar.

Supporting the event, Amadeus Asia Pacific’s regional director, South and Southeast Asia airlines, Nanda Pillai said: “Together with MTCO we look forward to hosting a stimulating discussion with the GMS travel industry on the further evolution of aviation in the region, and the existing challenges as well as opportunities for airlines.

“Air transport brings regions, economies and people closer together, and we’re committed to working with our airline customers and industry partners like MTCO to ensure it can continue to grow and develop sustainably, for the greater good of all.”

According to the report, over the last 20 years, air transport in the GMS helped to open up many destinations in the region such as Siem Reap in Cambodia, Luang Prabang in Lao PDR, Danang in Vietnam, Mandalay in Myanmar and Guilin in Guang Xi, the People’s Republic of China.

The trend accelerated with the emergence of budget airlines. New air routes today link destinations such as Sihanoukville in Cambodia, Khon Kaen in Thailand, and Pakse in Lao PDR, destinations which were barely noticed by travellers before.

MTCO executive director, Jens Thraenhart said: “It is fitting that our first Mekong Trends Snapshot covers GMS Aviation, providing a quick overview and some key insights on important developments and trends in the region’s aviation industry.”