The Mekong Innovative Startup Tourism (MIST) Initiative has announced two new accelerators designed to make it easier for innovative tourism businesses to be established in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Foreign visitors visit Cai Rang floating market in the Mekong River Delta province of Can Tho (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The Mekong Innovative Startup Tourism(MIST) Initiative has announced two new accelerators designed to make iteasier for innovative tourism businesses to be established in Cambodia, Laos,Myanmar and Vietnam.
The MIST Startup Accelerator will take entriesfrom early stage companies with either travel technology or traditional tourismbusiness plans. Meanwhile, the MIST Market Access Accelerator is welcomingapplications from mature international tourism startups needing assistanceentering the region.
Both accelerators will receive applicationsuntil March 19.
Dominic Mellor, senior Asian Development Bankeconomist and head of the Mekong Business Initiative said the MIST acceleratorprogrammes would create jobs, help local communities and supportentrepreneurship.
Applicants must demonstrate how they will createjobs, generate positive community impacts and contribute to sustainable tourismgrowth in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Vietnam.
Those accepted into the MIST Startup Accelerator will attend boot camps todevelop their business plans. The top business plans for each country will wingrants, with the best overall receiving 10,000 USD and the three runners-upreceiving 7,000 USD each.
Participants in both MIST accelerators willpitch their plans to investors, global acceleration programmes, and tourismleaders at the Mekong Tourism Forum, which will be held in Luang Prabang, Laos,and at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang inNovember.
“The Great Mekong sub-region is among thefastest growing tourism destinations on Earth. Startups can disrupttraditional practices to adapt to changing consumer behaviours, but let’salso encourage responsible innovation that enhances the region’s appeal forfuture generations,” Jens Thraenhart, executive director of the Mekong TourismCoordinating Office, said.
MIST is a joint venture of the Mekong TourismCoordinating Office and the Mekong Business Initiative. It receives regionalfunding, advisory and technical support from the Asian Development Bank,Australia, Amadeus Next, the Pacific Asia Travel Association and VillageCapital.-VNA
The Mekong Initiative for Startup Tourism (MIST) has been launched in HCM City to boost investment and innovation in the tourism sector in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Foreign visitors visit Cai Rang floating market in the Mekong River Delta province of Can Tho (Photo: VNA)
