From Africa to Thailand, Avani Hotels have been encouraging ecominded tourists to explore game-changing community projects helping to make sustainable travel mainstream.

BANGKOK - As we become more conscious of how we travel, we tend to choose experiences that not only feel good but also benefit the locals all while minimising negative environmental impacts.

Milking Buffalos and Growing Sticky Rice with Avani+ Luang Prabang, Laos
A countryside gem in the outskirts of Luang Prabang, many tourists passby the Laos Buffalo Dairy an unassuming spot en route to the Kuang Si Waterfall, arguably one of Laos’ most famous attractions.

On this episode, we talk to Jo Smith about Ock Pop Tok, the textile workshop and visitor center she and her Lao partner, Veomanee Douangdala, established there over a decade ago, and why it’s important to preserve traditional crafts from the area. Next up is a discussion with Susie Martin, the Australian expat who co-founded the Laos Buffalo Dairy, which not only produces delicious cheeses and ice creams for restaurants in town, but does so with a sustainable business model that helps local farmers breed and care for their animals. Finally, co-founder Michael Vogler tells us why they embrace a no-riding approach on the treks they offer at MandaLao Elephant Conservation.

The Business Partnerships Platform creates partnerships between the Australian Government and inclusive businesses for social impact. A partnership in Laos is scaling a commercial buffalo dairy - connecting with small holder farmers and promoting the benefits of buffalo milk. Hear more on the business challenges and COVID-19 pivot from founder and entrepreneur, Susie Martin.

Laos is a foodie’s paradise, especially for those looking to add an experiential flavour into the mix. Ever had a yearning to milk a buffalo, plant rice in paddy fields or to harvest your own coffee beans while learning and enjoying the fruits of your labour? Then Laos sounds like a place for you!

Bangkok, August 28, 2020: The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office announced the 6 Winners of the 2020 Experience Mekong Showcases. From 60 shortlisted businesses of the over 350 Experience Mekong Collection members, nearly 10,000 eligible votes narrowed down to 18 finalists (3 from each of the six GMS member countries), and finally recognizing the six 2020 Experience Mekong Showcases.

The winners were announced at the Virtual Destination Mekong Summit on August 25th. The videos announcing the winners can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVmQJUJeZGFWbbubEplhL0A/videos

No matter where you are in the world, trying to set up a business is never going to be easy.

There will always be moments of uncertainty, bureaucracy, difficult decisions to be made, and many different challenges to overcome.

Trying to set up a business in the countryside of Laos, some 25kms outside of Luang Prabang, where you don't speak the language and the locals have no understanding of what your product is, how it is made, nor why you are asking them to trust you with their most valuable possession, and it is a whole different ball game.

Bangkok, Thailand, July 7, 2020 / TRAVELINDEX / The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office is announcing the 18 Finalists of the Experience Mekong Showcases 2020. 4,200 eligible votes determined three Experience Mekong Collection members from each of the six member countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion for the next round of voting for this prestigious recognition. Now open for public vote until August 15th, the six Experience Mekong Showcases will be announced on August 25th, at the 2020 Destination Mekong Summit.