Mr. Madhurjya Kumar Dutta, Mekong Institute (MI) Director of Trade and Investment Facilitation, was selected as a member of the Mekong Tourism Advisory Group (MeTAG) to help deepen public-private sector collaboration in promoting tourism recovery, resilience, and sustainability against a pandemic climate.  

Comprised of high-level officials from Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) governments, business companies, universities, and development institutions, the Advisory Group delivers recommendations and strategies in showcasing unique attractions, practices, and potentials of Cambodia, P.R China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam across the areas of arts and culture, youth, child protection, wildlife conservation, climate change, wellness, culinary, and regenerative tourism.

MeTAG is overseen by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and operated by Destination Mekong.

“This pooling of expertise, networks, and resources among tourism experts and reputable institutions will spur inbound tourism in the GMS,” Mr. Dutta said, before underscoring the value of tourism in boosting employment, market competitiveness, and economic resilience, particularly among small- and medium-sized enterprises who are the economic engines of the subregion.

Mr. Dutta leads MI’s Smart and Sustainable Tourism Development in the Mekong project. Supported by the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Special Fund, the three-year project focuses on presenting innovative coping strategies for tourism stakeholders to maximize opportunities amidst a COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, MI bridges partnerships between tourism experts from the Mekong region and Republic of Korea to deepen cooperation among the countries.