The Mekong Tourism Forum 2019 was held in Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province, from May 28 to 29. Yunnan University (YNU) Professor Li Hao delivered a report on a mobile technology-backed project meant to boost tourism. His report was met with praise from other representatives. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

YNU Professor Li Hao’s remarks were well-received at the Mekong Tourism Forum 2019, which was held in Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province, from May 28 to 29. 

Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Yunnan Provincial Government, the forum was attended by Zhang Xu, vice-minister of culture and tourism, Chen Shun, vice-governor of Yunnan, Ounthuang Khaophanh, deputy minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Laos, Anan Wongbenjarat, deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry for Sports and Tourism in Thailand, and nearly 300 other representatives.

Developing tourism has become an effective way for countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion to reduce poverty. 

As deputy director of YNU’s Department of Technology, Professor Li introduced a mobile technology-backed project entitled “travel through Yunnan province using a mobile phone”. 

Professor Li talked of the social benefits brought about by the project and how it provided a boost to the local tourism industry. 

During the forum, attendees also discussed issues related to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and poverty-alleviation in countries along the Lancang-Mekong River.