GMS in the News

In a significant move to enhance their cultural and tourism cooperation, Viet Nam and Laos held a series of discussions this week to solidify their partnership. 

Cambodia’s tourism sector earned $3.63 billion in 2024, up 17.8 percent from $3.08 billion a year earlier, according to a report from the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) released on January 31.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has targeted four niche markets for next year: wellness, luxury experience, sports tourism and honeymoons.

Authorities of the northern border province of Lang Son and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China held an online signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a pilot smart border gate.

Cambodia's tourism sector continues on an upward trajectory, with the country making concerted efforts to surpass pre-pandemic tourism levels through strategic campaigns, international collaborations, and infrastructural enhancements. In the initial months of 2024, Cambodia has seen a significant uptick in international tourism.

Thailand is on track to welcome 36 million international visitors in 2024, according to the Kasikorn Research Centre (KResearch). This forecast is based on the robust performance in the early months of the year, which marked a notable 50% increase in foreign arrivals, totaling 6.4 million in January and February.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will support the sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban development of Luang Prabang, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), with financing worth $35 million via a concessional loan and a $10 million grant. The project is set to (i) improve the quality and coverage of urban infrastructure and services, (ii) strengthen institutions and capacity to foster climate and disaster resilient development pathways, (iii) promote inclusive and gender-responsive urban planning, and (iv) enhance women's leadership and economic empowerment. The Government of Lao PDR will complement the financing with in-kind contributions to support counterpart salaries and office facilities

The Government of Thailand eyes an investment target of THB 500 billion (around $13.7 billion) for its Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) over the next five years, focusing on industries such as electric vehicle development, medical services, biotechnology infrastructure, and digital industries. 

The Government of Cambodia is preparing to introduce enhanced travel measures in time for its peak tourism season, which will run from mid-October through March of next year. These measures includes simplifying entry procedures, following the recommendation of Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet, and preparing to open the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.

Lao PDR Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, in his meeting with the Chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GZAR), People's Republic of China (PRC), Mr. Lan Tianli, expressed hopes of enhancing their relationship further.