Nakhon Phanom (Thailand) – June 4, 2018 (travelindex.com) – The Mekong Tourism Forum 2018 will take place in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, from June 26 to 29. It is hosted by the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Nakhon Phanom Provincial Government in cooperation with the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO). Located in northeastern Thailand on the Mekong River, bordering Laos, the city blends Thai, Laotian, and Vietnamese cultural influences. It boasts significant Buddhist sites, modern infrastructure, and excellent road and air connections.

This year's theme builds on the 2017 MTF theme, "Prosper with Purpose," and the 2016 MTF theme, "Creating Authentic Experiences." Today's travelers are seeking transformative and enriching experiences. Through mutual understanding and more responsible practices, tourism can be a vital catalyst for positive change in people's lives. The theme, "Transforming Travel – Transforming Lives," will be launched with a keynote address by Jeremy Smith, editor of Travindy and author of the recently published book "Transforming Travel."

The seminar on Buddhist tourism explores the transformative power of travel. As one of the fastest-growing tourism segments in Asia, Buddhist tourism not only attracts international tourists to the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) but also boosts domestic tourism and makes a significant contribution to the local economy. Nakhon Phanom, this year's host of the Mekong Tourism Forum and an important center of Buddhism in Northeast Thailand, is the ideal destination to focus on Buddhist tourism.

The “Experience Mekong Collection” showcases over 150 responsible and sustainable small businesses from the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) through innovative case studies from each of the GMS countries. Supporting local communities through small-scale tour operators, promoting gender equality, and combating poverty are central goals of the Mekong Tourism Collaboration, comprised of six member countries. The “Experience Mekong Collection” puts these goals into practice and serves as a capacity-building platform to educate other businesses on the application of responsible and sustainable business practices. In addition to the six “Experience Mekong Collection Showcases,” presented in partnership with Mahidol University International College, some members of the “Experience Mekong Collection” will exhibit their services at the Mekong Marketplace.

With MTF 2018, we want to not only give the annual forum a motto, but also embody it. Executives from Ctrip.com, Airbnb, Air Asia, and Inle Heritage Myanmar will connect the theme of "Transformative Travel" to their respective industries in inspiring 15-minute presentations. Following this, this year's session, "Opportunities and Risks in the Mekong Region," will address the critical issue of plastic pollution and invites all interested parties to discuss how the travel and tourism industry can reduce the consumption of single-use plastics in the Mekong region. Single-use plastics are one of the biggest problems of our time, and the travel and tourism industry can contribute to the solution.

The Mekong Tourism Forum 2018 aims to raise awareness about plastic waste and make the event plastic-free. For the second year running, MTF 2018 has designed a limited-edition refillable water bottle as part of the "MTF 2018 Plastic Free Kit".

Finally, eight thematic strategy workshops on topics such as culinary, adventure, and wellness tourism will take place in eight ethnic villages around Nakhon Phanom. By visiting and interacting with the local communities, participants can connect with the local population, while the locals, in turn, have the opportunity to meet visitors from around the world. MTF 2018 is thus themed "Travel Changes – Lives Change" and is testing a new conference concept: the actual sessions will take place in the villages themselves, allowing the people to actively participate and become part of the experience. We are convinced that this will enrich the discussions and make the conference an unforgettable experience.

Two integrated programs enhance the MTF 2018 experience: The inaugural "Mekong Mini Movie Festival" kicks off with a half-day conference on film and destination marketing. The focus will be on the potential of destination promotion through film, video, and visual storytelling, including keynote speeches by Rob Holmes of the award-winning production company GLP Films and a case study on "The Hangover Part II" at the Lebua Hotel in Bangkok. Following the conference, participants will evaluate some of the most inspiring films from the ongoing Mekong Mini Movie campaign. The festival's first winners will be announced at the Mekong Mini Awards ceremony. In collaboration with the WWF, the festival will also raise awareness of the endangered Mekong dolphins, its mascots.

For the second time, the Mekong Innovative Startups in Tourism (MIST) program showcases some of the most innovative travel startups with the potential to revolutionize traditional practices and offer solutions to key industry challenges. Highlights include the half-day MIST Travel Innovation Conference, as well as presentations from the top startups in the 2018 MIST semi-finals.

The Mekong Marketplace showcases responsible tour operators from the Experience Mekong Collection. It also features the Blogger Matchup Lounge and the MIST Startup Lounge.

Organized by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, the annual Mekong Tourism Forum provides a platform for public and private sector stakeholders in the region to engage in joint discussions on the promotion and marketing of travel and tourism in and within the GMS countries – Cambodia, the Chinese provinces of Yunnan and Guangxi, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

The MTF was last held in Thailand in 2012, specifically in the northern province of Chiang Rai. Last year, the forum took place in June in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Further information about MTF 2018 can be found at www.MekongTourismForum.org. Registration is free for professionals in the travel and tourism industry.