The Government of Thailand with assistance of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) virtually convened the 48th Meeting of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Working Group (TWG-48) on 17 September 2021. The meeting was attended by representatives of the National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) of the six GMS countries—Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam—MTCO, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and other GMS development partners.

The TWG-48 was convened to (i) discuss selection of the new Executive Director of MTCO; (ii) discuss the COVID-19 and tourism situation of GMS countries; (iii) discuss and agree the final draft of the Mekong Tourism Recovery Communications Plan 2021–2023; (iv) provide updates on MTCO activities; (v) discuss the outcomes of the 7th GMS Summit, (vi) discuss the Southeast Asia Sustainable Tourism Facility proposed regional technical assistance, and (vii) learn about World Bank and other development partner-supported GMS tourism initiatives.