Save the Environment.  In an effort to reduce plastic waste, in collaboration with GIZ and ADB, every delegate will receive his own personal limited-edition MTF 2017 refillable water bottle. We aim to save around 5,000 plastic bottles alone.

We are very excited to introduce a different event concept at this year's MTF 2017, which aims to be highly inclusive and experiential. 

In addition to make the destination the venue, the MTF will create an inclusive model integrating many local businesses which will play host for MTF sessions and activities. The format will offer everybody the opportunity to escape the traditional meeting room to get out and experience different venues in Luang Prabang.

There is another reason to attend the MTF 2017. The GMS Tourism Working Group of the six governments are about to announce the second 10-year Tourism Sector Strategy for the Mekong region. The strategy was developed with technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).  This is an important milestone!

Each topical session is a critical component of the future of responsible tourism development in the region, and discussed in the strategy. The sessions aim also to engage the industry and discuss industry in an interactive way over opportunities and challenges to the GMS tourism strategy. MTF 2017 wants to even go a step further and tries to create Mekong Tourism Expert Groups on the various subject matters to continue the discussion beyond MTF 2017.

Over the past week, we have visited every MTF 2017 venue again, to discuss with the host how best to stage their topical session. With over 20 venues all around Luang Prabang, delegates will get a great opportunity to see the tourism experiences of the UNESCO world heritage town.

Below, please see some of the highlights to expect at MTF 2017. 

And after MTF?  Delegates get the chance to participate in 10 exciting post tour experiences. 

We look forward to seeing many of you at MTF 2017. Don't forget to download our MTF 2017 Mobile App to get the latest information and connect to fellow delegates. Download "Presdo Match" for Apple or Android, and search for "Mekong Tourism Forum" under events.

Please don't forget to tag all your photos and videos with #MekongTourismForum / @MekongMoments / #MekongMoments / #TourismMekong.