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Unveiling Mekong Heritage

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Web-Based Mekong Heritage Tourism Platform

This web-based system for Mekong Heritage Tourism Platform and Mekong Heritage Mobile Application is part of the project on Sustainable and Smart Tourism Development in the Mekong Region. The platform serves as valuable resources for both local residents and tourists through offering a user-friendly interface that allows easy access to a wealth of cultural information and travel resources from selected Mekong Heritage in Five Mekong countries namely Ayutthaya (Thailand), Siem Reap (Cambodia), Hue (Vietnam), Luang Prabang (Laos) and Bagan (Myanmar). The platform provides comprehensive information on i. Mekong City Guides, ii. Attractions, iii. Stay, iv. Eat & Drink, and v. Things to Do.

Purpose of the Platform

The platform covered functions on unique feature, multimedia contents, interactive map, contact, personalized recommendations and information addable. It is created to reinforce beneficiaries as follows.

Demand side

To provide first-hand and updated information for the international travelers who are willing to visit 5 Mekong heritage sites as to maximize travel experiences visiting the heritage destinations.

Supply side

To help SMEs approach international travelers and help tourism operators to increase their visibility to travelers while gaining valuable customers’ analytical data and market insights that will help them to make better data-driven business decisions for innovation.

For Whom

The platform is suitable for various users in reaching information related to the selected Mekong Heritage sites. They are

  • Tourism promotion agencies
  • Private tour and travel operators
  • Tourism enterprises
    • Hotels
    • Restaurants
    • Entertainment centres
    • Souvenir shops
    • Local crafts, and etc.
  • Creative artists/performers
  • Worldwide Travelers
  • Investors
  • Tour guides
  • Tourism media/ social media influencers
  • Universities/hospitality education
  • Training centres among others

User's Benefits

  • Convenience
  • Information Updates
  • Personalization
  • Review and Rating
  • Navigation
  • Booking and Reservations
  • Cost Saving
  • Travel Itineraries
  • Heritage and Local Insights
  • Safety Features
  • Environmental Impact
  • Feedback and Support
  • Memory Keeping
  • Marketing Channel

SUSTAINABLE & SMART TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Mekong Institute (MI), with the support of the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF) and in collaboration and coordination with National Tourism Organizations and local destination management entities of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Republic of Korea implemented the multi-year project on “Sustainable and Smart Tourism Development in the Mekong Region” to overcome the identified problems on:

Low awareness of tourism career opportunities

Complex business and regulatory environments in secondary destinations.

Fragmented information flow and lack of integrated destination planning

Limited awareness on private investment opportunities and lack of funding to cater the growth demand for services.

The project aims to promote human resource development and sustainable tourism practices across Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, and Korea. Focusing on UNESCO heritage sites, the project fosters collaboration between historical towns to transfer best practices and introduce smart solutions to manage increasing tourist arrivals.

Short-term Objective

  • Enhance capacities of tourism organizations through training and information sharing.
  • Foster cooperation between communities and promote exchanges to preserve cultural sites.
  • Introduce ICT/SMART technology in the tourism sector.

Long-term Objective

  • Introduce smart tourism and sharing economy concepts.
  • Utilize cultural and natural resources more innovatively and efficiently.
  • Component A: Facilitating Smart Tourism Development
    • Develop digital infrastructure supporting smart tourism.
    • Provide training on SMART tourism and create online platforms and mobile applications.
    • Organize workshops on digital interactive infrastructure and marketing strategies.
  • Component B: Korea–Mekong Hospitality Training & Mentoring
    • Train local tourism leaders to enhance hospitality and service quality.
    • Introduce RoK's ICT practices in tourism.
    • Conduct roadshows at selected universities to recruit young leaders for training.
  • Component C: Twinning of Historical/Cultural Towns
    • Foster partnerships between cultural towns in Mekong countries and Korea.
    • Develop tourist attractions through Public Private Partnerships.
    • Strengthen collaborations to improve tourism marketing and promotion.

Summary of Key Outputs

Project Activities Implemented
Direct Beneficiaries/ Stackholders
Indirect Beneficiaries/ Stackholders
Digital Platforms Developed
MOUs Signed
Policy Brief

Project Impact Overview

A total of 83 project activities were implemented as follows
  • Data Gathering and Evaluation: 15 meetings were held to collect data for the end-of-project evaluation, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Workshops: 4 workshops covered various topics including engaging travel bloggers, marketing strategies, and training curriculum dissemination, facilitating knowledge exchange and growth.
  • Training Sessions: 3 sessions focused on designing digital infrastructure and promoting Smart Sustainable Tourism and Business Outreach, enhancing skills and capabilities.
  • Research and Curricula Development: 1 study and 2 curricula were developed to guide sustainable tourism development efforts.
  • Action Plans: 20 action plans were implemented to strengthen ties between the Mekong region and the Republic of Korea (ROK), incorporating sustainable and smart tourism principles.
  • Digital Platforms: 7 platforms, including websites and social media channels, were created to disseminate information and engage stakeholders effectively.
  • Knowledge Products: 19 pieces of product knowledge, such as articles and policy briefs, were developed to share insights and best practices.
  • Forums and Exchange Programs: 11 forums were organized, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.
  • Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs): 3 MOUs were signed between Mekong heritage cities and RoK, fostering collaboration in sustainable tourism including additional one MOU as a result of investment forum in Thailand.
  • Policy Briefs: 1 policy brief was created, highlighting the importance of advancing smart tourism in synergy with creative industries.
  • Beneficiary Participation: A total of 788 direct project beneficiaries actively participated in various activities, while at least 1,750 indirect beneficiaries gained valuable knowledge and information through our meetings and digital platforms.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

During the project, five Investment Forums in heritage sites were organized and investment opportunity profiles (IOP) were presented emphasize the potential for mutual benefits through technology transfer, skill development, and sustainable investments for Korean investors and other potential partners. The IOPs covers the areas of:
  • Smart Infrastructure Development

    Implementing advanced technologies for transportation, energy, and waste management to create a sustainable and efficient urban environment.

  • Renewable Energy Projects

    Investing in solar, wind, or hydroelectric power generation to reduce the province's carbon footprint and ensure energy security.

  • Urban Mobility Solutions

    Developing modern public transportation systems, bike-sharing programs, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to enhance mobility and reduce traffic congestion.

  • Green Building Initiatives

    Encouraging eco-friendly building designs and construction practices to promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

  • Education and Skill Development Centers

    Establishing training centers to upskill the local workforce and prepare them for emerging industries and technologies.

MEKONG INSTITUTE

Mekong Institute (MI), an Intergovernmental organization owned and operated by six countries of Greater Mekong Subregion (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam and Yunnan province and Guangxi Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China), promotes regional cooperation and integration through capability development programs and projects in three areas namely, Agricultural Development and Commercialization, Trade and Investment Facilitation and Sustainable Energy and Environment
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MEET OUR TEAM

Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta

Director
Director of Trade & Investment Facilitation Department (TIF) and MKCF’s Manager
Tel: (+66) 43 202 411 (Ext: 2101)
Email: dutta@mekonginstitute.org

Mr. Sa-nga Sattanun

Program Manager
Program Manager, TIF
Tel: (+66) 43 202 411 (Ext: 2102)
Email: sa-nga@mekonginstitute.org

Ms. Thongvone Sosamphan

Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator, TIF
Tel: (+66) 43 202 411 (Ext: 2113)
Email: thongvone@mekonginstitute.org

Mekong Institute

123 Mittraphap Road, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
Email: icreate@mekonginstitute.org
Website: https://www.mekonginstitute.org