Representatives of HI Thailand, Thai and Cambodian hostel owners and managers had been invited to Siem Reap, the City of Ankor Wonder, to open the first discussion on HI GMS (Greater Mekhong Sub-region) initiative and to celebrate the first anniversary of HI Siem Reap during February 1-4, 2012. Surashing Waewtiangtam, Acting CEO of HI Thailand, altogether with hostel representatives from HI Lub d – Siam Square, HI Udee Bangkok, HI Rayong and Chiang Rai went across borders to meet up with HI network allies in Cambodia consisting of John Watson and Pisith Tek, owner and manager of HI Siem Reap, Montri and Dara from new hostels in Phnom Penh.
HI GMS (Greater Mekhong Sub-region) has been originally initiated by Pravee Peter Komolkanchana, HI RDC Asia-Pacific in order to power up the marketing strategic plan for HI networking in Indochina and Mekhong river neighbouring countries. Thailand, as the hub city and main gateway of this sub-region, should play the leading role in the project by tightening business relationship and cooperation with emerging markets in Cambodia and Vietnam where HI network has been already established.
The success of GMS countries in tourism relies in part on its “last frontier” image associated with iconic destinations, unspoilt landscapes as well as authentic experiences and genuine, friendly people.Moreover, cities within the GMS are main gateways for tourism with travellers generally beginning and ending their trips in an urban environment (i.e. low cost airlines, improvement in infrastructure, variety of accommodation choices, etc).
UNESCO lists 18 GMS sites as World Heritage Sites. Many sites in Myanmar could be rapidly added as the country is moving gradually to democracy and economic freedom. HI GMS project will be bi-annually evaluated and the 2nd phase of the project will include Southern China (Yunnan and Guangxi), Laos and Myanmar.
Besides the business part, all participants also joyfully took this occasion to congratulate HI Siem Reap’s first anniversary and to welcome new friends in Phnom Penh to join our HI network. HI Siem Reap currently receives the highest rating at 93% on hihostels.com as well as highly recommended by tripadvisor.com
Happy hostelling … please share if you like!
