The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) and Agoda have partnered to strengthen the digital capabilities of micro, small and medium-scale accommodation providers across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
The initiative is expected to strengthen digitally enabled tourism businesses, supporting sustainable growth and regional competitiveness.
The regional E-commerce Training for MSME Accommodation Providers in the Greater Mekong Subregion will begin on September 18, 2025, with the Thailand session, and run through November, expanding to Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and China (Yunnan and Guangxi). The programme targets home stays, ecolodges and guesthouses in rural and secondary destinations, enterprises that are vital to inclusive and community-based tourism in the GMS. By enhancing digital engagement, the training aims to help accommodation providers improve online presence, competitiveness and business sustainability in preparation for rising visitor numbers.
This marks the first collaboration between MTCO, Agoda and the GMS National Tourism Organisations of Cambodia, China (Yunnan and Guangxi), Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
Delivered online in local languages and tailored to each location, the workshops provide practical skills for managing listings on platforms such as Agoda. Training includes uploading room inventory and images, managing availability and pricing, implementing promotions, and engaging effectively with customer reviews.
MTCO executive director Suvimol Thanasarakij said: “By working together across borders, we can ensure that small operators in our region are equipped with the digital tools they need to connect with global travelers and share the unique experiences of the Mekong.” Damien Pfirsch, chief commercial officer at Agoda, added: “We expect this initiative to help bring global visibility to these accommodation and help distribute economic benefits across the GMS.”
