Tourism ministers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam have adopted a new regional action plan for 2026-2028. The decision strengthens ACMECS tourism cooperation under the “Five countries, One destination” concept.

Photo by: Organization Board at Viet Nam Tourism

The 7th ACMECS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting took place on 27 August 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City. Ministers and heads of delegation reviewed progress under the 2025-2026 cooperation plan. They also agreed on priorities for the next three years.

Maung Myint, Myanmar’s Minister of Hotels and Tourism, chaired the meeting. Lam Thi Phuong Thanh, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, led the Vietnamese delegation.

Ministers review regional tourism priorities

The ministers assessed progress in several priority areas. These included tourism promotion, marketing, information sharing and human resource development. Tourism product development also remained a key area of cooperation.

Viet Nam reported that it had continued to implement activities under the 2025-2026 action plan. The country hosted regional and international tourism events during the period. These events supported the exchange of experience in sustainable tourism, digital transformation and green transition. They also addressed tourism workforce development.

Viet Nam also participated in programmes organised by other ACMECS countries and Mekong partners. These included training, capacity-building programmes, festivals and other tourism activities.

The initiatives supported knowledge exchange on service quality, skills development and creative tourism. Viet Nam also promoted ACMECS member countries through official tourism websites and digital channels.

The Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism regularly updated information on tourism markets and statistics. It also shared information on major regional tourism events.

Viet Nam backs stronger tourism marketing and products

Viet Nam said ACMECS members had maintained joint activities during 2025-2026. Progress was strongest in tourism promotion, information exchange and human resource development.

However, Viet Nam identified uneven implementation across some areas. It also noted overlaps with other subregional cooperation mechanisms.According to the Vietnamese assessment, resources allocated specifically to ACMECS tourism activities remain limited and fragmented.

Viet Nam therefore backed the priorities in the 2026-2028 action plan. It called for greater focus on tourism promotion and marketing, as well as tourism product development. The country also reaffirmed its readiness to remain the focal point for tourism product development.

Viet Nam plans to study initiatives that could strengthen the shared ACMECS destination image. Proposed areas include river-based tourism and cross-border tourism routes. These routes could link ecotourism, cultural heritage and culinary experiences across member countries. The initiatives support the “Five countries, One destination” vision.

Viet Nam also called for closer cooperation among national tourism authorities. The aim is to create practical tourism products and new experiences for travellers.

ACMECS region records 65.27 million arrivals

The ministers noted the continued recovery of tourism across the ACMECS region. Member countries welcomed about 65.27 million visitor arrivals in 2025.

Tourism revenue across the region reached approximately US$94.08 billion during the year. In the first six months of 2026, ACMECS countries received about 33.08 million international arrivals. Around 4.25 million were intra-ACMECS visitors. Intra-regional visitors therefore accounted for 12.85% of total international arrivals during the period. The meeting formally adopted the ACMECS Tourism Cooperation Action Plan for 2026-2028. The plan will guide ACMECS tourism cooperation over the next three years.

Ministers encouraged designated lead countries to implement their assigned activities. They also welcomed proposals for a joint “Five countries, One destination” promotional campaign. The meeting adopted the report from the 7th ACMECS Tourism Senior Officials’ Meeting. That meeting took place on 26 August 2026 under Myanmar’s chairmanship.

Focus shifts to connectivity, resilience and digital tourism

The ministers reaffirmed their support for sustainable, inclusive, resilient and innovative tourism development. They also highlighted stronger connectivity and easier travel across the region.

Other priorities include digital transformation and smart tourism. Ministers also backed ecotourism, community-based tourism and cultural tourism. Tourism security, safety and workforce development will remain part of the regional agenda. Joint promotion and marketing will continue under the “Five countries, One destination” concept.

Viet Nam’s hosting of the meeting strengthened links among tourism authorities from the five member countries. It also supported further cooperation in marketing, promotion and tourism product development. The event allowed Viet Nam to reinforce its role in Mekong tourism cooperation. It also provided a platform to present the country’s tourism destinations and development potential to international partners.

The ministers thanked Viet Nam for hosting the meeting and recognised its preparations and hospitality.

Under the rotating chairmanship system, Thailand will host the 8th ACMECS Tourism Senior Officials’ Meeting. It will also host the 8th ACMECS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting.

The next phase of ACMECS tourism cooperation will now focus on implementing the 2026-2028 action plan across the five member countries.

Source: Travel Daily News Asia

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