LUANG PRABANG, August 2025 — Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025, highlighting the ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as a key initiative to strengthen regional travel and connectivity.

The forum, themed "United Journey – Stronger Together," convened tourism officials and business leaders from Laos, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Discussions centered on strategies to improve cross-border travel, with a significant focus on strengthening regional connectivity via initiatives like the ARTC.

The ARTC seeks to connect major urban centers such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Nong Khai, Vientiane, and Boten. This will be achieved through modernized rail infrastructure and simplified immigration processes, designed to streamline and improve the efficiency of travel throughout Southeast Asia.

Phouthone Dalalom, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Marketing Department at Laos’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, underscored the significance of attracting visitors from neighbouring countries, expressing optimism that the forum would boost tourist arrivals and reinforce regional alliances. The MTF 2025 concluded with Myanmar officially announced as the 2026 host, following a symbolic flag handover, and featured a tourism exhibition showcasing cultural products, local food, and community-based travel experiences, a clear testament to the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

The initiative reflects a broader strategy to distribute tourism benefits more evenly by prioritizing development in lesser-known destinations. The ARTC is poised to play a crucial role in fostering economic growth and cultural exchange across the Asean region, aligning with goals for sustainable and inclusive development.