news-events

13 December 2016 Luang Prabang Pigs Out By Bernie Rosenbloom Luang Prabang’s hotels and restaurants hold “The Battle of the Pigs” to raise funds for families making their livings at the dump.   Troy Matusow frequently visits the Luang Prabang dump. The man behind Asia One Resort Supply knows the people who live amid piles … Read more

15 March 2016 Lord Puttnam Tackles Lao Tourism Challenges By Bernie Rosenbloom Oscar-winning producer Lord Puttnam was recently walking along Luang Prabang’s streets. He notices a fine-looking four-storey hotel topped with a terrace. He hikes up the stairs and takes in the view. He then asks the staff if he can order a drink. The … Read more

 Submitted by Bernie Rosenbloom (Huzhou, China) – Interest in Asia Pacific rural tourism has spiked in recent decades, much like country retreats did in 19th-century Victorian England, and for similar reasons. The growing urban Asian population is seeking to escape their pressure-filled, yet often mundane city life, and are increasingly turning to leisure and relaxation … Read more

MTF Insights: Dr Andreas Hofmann @ GIZ Andreas had a long history in private sector travel before taking the position of Team Leader, Luang Prabang Handle with Care Project for German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). He has never attended an MTF, and first heard about the Luang Prabang event from the organisers and Lao … Read more

MTF Insights: Derek Smith @ Saffron Coffee Derek operates Saffron, a sustainable coffee producer and local café. He has never attended an MTF, and first heard of about the Luang Prabang event at the Lanith Hospitality Managers’ Rendezvous, which is where he first learned about the MTCO. What challenges does Luang Prabang face in hosting … Read more

MTF Insights: Paul Burnett @ Sanakeo Boutique Hotel Paul is the general manager of the new Sanakeo Boutique Hotel, which is hosting the Mekong Tourism Sector Strategy Open Forum and the Blogger Match-Up. This will be Paul’s first MTF, having heard about event from Sanakeo’s owners. He first learned of the MTCO from local officials … Read more

MTF Insights: John Morris Williams @ Luang Prabang View Hotel John in the General Manager of Luang Prabang View hotel, which is hosting the MIST (Mekong Innovative Startups in Tourism) finalists’ presentations. This will be John’s first Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF). He read about the Luang Prabang event in social media and the “Vientiane Times”, … Read more

MTF Insights: Gary Tyson @ Azerai Hotel Luang Prabang Gary is the general manager of the new Azerai Hotel Luang Prabang, which is an Official MTF Hotel. This will be Gary’s first MTF, having heard about event from colleagues shortly before its public announcement. He first learned of the MTCO through the monthly Lanith Hospitality … Read more

MTF Insights: Georgie Walsh @ Laos Hospitality Consulting & Manda de Laos Georgie is the director of sales and marketing of Laos Hospitality Consulting and Manda de Laos, which is hosting the Marketing and Sales session. This is Georgie’s second MTF, having attended the 2010 event in Pakse. She first heard about the event from … Read more