NAKHON PHANOM, 3 July 2018: As 475 delegates gathered, last week, at the Mekong Tourism Forum its leaders – members of the Greater Mekong Sub-region group – were pondering over the ticklish issue of the office’s legal status.
Since the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office was established in 2006, the six countries of the Mekong Region have run their regional office in limbo at least on the legal landscape.
But the riddle of the MTCO’s status appears be on the verge of being resolved as counties agree on a journey that could make it a legally recognised intergovernmental organisation within two years.
On the sidelines of this year’s Mekong Tourism Forum, the six-countries convened their twice-annual committee meeting mainly to agree on the reappointment of Jens Thraenhart as executive director for a third two-year term and to reach a consensus on the path to legal status for the office.
The Tourism Working Group members agreed to adopt a proposal to establish the MTCO as an intergovernmental organisation following the Mekong Institute blueprint.
That simple decision has never been straightforward. It required lengthy studies, input from each country member and clearance from their legal departments. It has taken literally years.
There were alternatives, one being a kangaroo pouch solution whereby MTCO would reside under the motherly care of a non-government organisation.
But over time, the Mekong Institute blueprint has emerged as the most practical solution and one that would earn UN-level recognition.
Ultimately, it will allow MTCO to raise funds and own projects that are currently outsourced to third parties.
Tapping new revenue streams and grants would change the fabric of MTCO, while filling out its meagre financial resources.
It is likely that Thraenhart will be the last western executive director at the MTCO when he steps down in 2020. He will probably be replaced by a citizen of the six countries, a proviso that so far has never gained traction with the Tourism Working Group members when it goes head hunting.
There will be considerable horse-trading too. Thailand is likely to hold on to hosting the office in Bangkok, which is viewed as a hub for regional organisations.
With two provinces, Yunnan and Guang XI directly involved in MTCO affairs, China could raise its profile and demands.
It might want to forward candidates for “consideration” when the executive director’s vacancy is up for grabs in 2020.
China views international organisations linked to travel as fair game to build influence and the “Lancang-Mekong region with its diverse agenda is right on the doorstep.
Right now, the process is heading for final approval and signatures to embark on a journey that will conclude with an identical legal status as enjoyed by the Mekong Institute, possibly by 2019.
The Mekong Institute is described as an intergovernmental organisation (IGO) founded by the six member countries of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), namely Cambodia, China (Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Its focuses on training, labour and agricultural development.
The MTCO is the marketing and tourism development arm of the same six countries. Established in 2006, MTCO operates on an annual budget of just USD90,000, raised from equal contributions from the member countries. They chip in USD15,000 each.
The riddle of office status has dogged past executive directors who needed work permits, visas and a legal framework to sit at the negotiating table with other tourism organisations.
Singaporean hotelier, Stephen Yong, who moved from the Pacific Asia Travel Association, where he was regional director for Asia, led the opening team at MTCO. Another ex-PATA employee, Peter Semone, also took up the challenge until media guru, Mason Florence, was appointed for two terms (four years). Now, Thraenhart has stepped forward for a third and last two-year term that will see him at the helm until 30 June 2020.
