A Unified CLMV Tourism Future: CLMV Tourism Ministers forge path for regional cooperation

In a remarkable display of regional solidarity, the seventh meeting of the CLMV Tourism Ministers concluded successfully on Friday at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon. 

Representing Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Viet Nam, the delegates came together to chart a promising future for tourism cooperation and development in Southeast Asia.

Under the leadership of Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Dr. Thet Thet Khaing, the meeting focused on revitalizing the pandemic-hit tourism sector, with an emphasis on simplifying regional travel and promoting CLMV countries as a unified destination. The Union Minister also shared the Ministry’s initiatives to ease travel restriction for international travelers. 

Union Minister,Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Dr. Thet Thet Khaing, said " To ease travel restriction for international visitors, we’ve implemented Visa on Arrival for tourists from China, India, Japan, and Korea. We’ve launched an e-Visa system for other countries, so they don’t have to visit embassies to apply. It’s all about making the process smoother and more convenient for tourists."

A major achievement of the meeting was the adoption of the Action Plan for CLMV Tourism Cooperation (2025-2026), which sets the stage for deeper collaboration in areas like capacity building, private sector partnerships and sustainable tourism.  By embracing the vision of "Four Countries, One Destination," the ministers agreed to pursue common objectives that position the CLMV region as a unified and compelling travel hub.

For this, the Union Minister highlighted Myanmar’s significant potential in the tourism sector, with its unique natural resources. She also stressed the need to address the challenges faced by the industry including the human resources. 

Union Minister, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Dr. Thet Thet Khaing, said "Unlike many of its ASEAN neighbors, Myanmar is home to everything from snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches. If the northern region of Myanmar becomes more peaceful, it could even be developed into Asia’s Switzerland.Additionally, Myanmar boasts a rich cultural heritage, with diverse ethnic foods, customs, traditions and world heritage sites that can attract international travelers. However, there are still challenges to overcome, particularly in expanding the tourism sector and building a skilled workforce, which will be possible if peace is maintained.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is also in the process of developing comprehensive standard operating procedures (SoPs) for issuing licenses related to "Camping Glamping" and other innovative tourism initiatives, in close collaboration with relevant ministries. These efforts aim to promote a wider range of tourism products and make Myanmar a more attractive destination."

By fostering greater regional cooperation, the meeting successfully set the stage for a more resilient and sustainable tourism industry, enhancing the region's appeal as a vibrant destination for international travelers.

It is learnt that Viet Nam will host the 8th CLMV Tourism Ministers and Senior Officials meeting in 2026 while highlighting the region's ongoing dedication to collaboration and mutual growth.