VIENTIANE – Mekong region ecotourism products and services will be showcased under the theme “Bridging the Mekong Region” when the 2007 Lao Ecotourism Forum takes place at Vientiane’s Don Chan Palace Hotel from July 26-29.
The event is aimed at showcasing the natural and cultural heritage of Laos and the Mekong region. ??In 2006 the event covered just two days, but a revised program this year features a full day Mekong Ecotourism Conference and a full day of buyer-seller appointments in the Mekong Ecotourism Mart, as well as two public days on July 28, 29.
The 5km Mekong Fun Run and Lao Food Festival have also been added. The run on July 28 is open to all and starts at 6.30am at Vientiane’s That Luang Stupa and will pass the Victory Monument and Vientiane’s Old Quarter before finishing at the Don Chan Palace Hotel. ??Buyers to the forum represent mostly Asian, European and North American source markets. To date 60 sellers booths have been reserved and more than 50 buyers have expressed their interest in attending.
Most of the sellers contingent will be Laos based companies, although all GMS member nations will be represented. A number of Asean based investors have also shown interest in the region’s ecotourism sector and will join the forum. ??The registration fee for qualified buyers has been waived. For more details, online registration until July 1 and a look at buyers and sellers having registered their participation, click on to www.ecotourismlaos.com/forum2007
