The Mekong: developing a new tourism region

Abstract

The Mekong River rises on the high Tibetan plateau, and then flows through Yunnan province, Myanmar, Laos PDR, Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam where it reaches the South China Sea. This vast area is known as the 'Greater Mekong Subregion' (GMS). It has a complex history which has left a legacy of temples and palaces many of which are now World Heritage sites under the `protection of UNESCO. The tourism potential of the GMS is further enhanced by a great diversity of cultliral groups, and its ecology is rich and varied. However, much of the region is lacking in modern infrastructure and has suffered great political and military turmoil in recent decades. Many of the countries are ranked in the lowest social and economic categories. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is actively encouraging their development, with tourism identified as a lead sector. This chapter provides readers with an introduction to the Mekong region, sets regional tourism policy in the broader context of regional social and economic development initiatives, and summarizes the recent emergence of a cohesive regional approach to Pro-Poor Tourism development (PPT).