29 January 2024
40650
2024-01-29 09:32
Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Dr Thet Thet Khaing joined the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024, hosted by Laos from 22nd to 27th January. The opening ceremony of the forum took place on the 24th, with the attendance of Laotian Deputy Prime Minister Professor Dr. Kikeo Khaikhamphithoune.
During the session, the Union Minister engaged with the tourism ministers from ASEAN member states and discussed for tourism development in the region. After formal opening of the forum, the delegates enjoyed the Laotian traditional dances, and modern music as well as the innovative traditional attires. On the 25th, the Union Minister participated in the 27th Meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers, and discussed the progress made in implementing post-COVID tourism promotion and future plans, highlighting the arrival of over 1 million tourists in 2023 while ASEAN received over 93 million.
She also expressed Myanmar’s readiness for taking the vice chairmanship for the 28th meeting of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers. The meeting discussed the prospects for future tourism and sustainability of ASEAN tourism industry. In the afternoon, the Union Minister attended a luncheon hosted by CNN news agency together with the ASEAN tourism ministers, ASEAN Secretary General and partner organizations, along with the clarification on the progress in world tourism industry and future prospects.
During the 11th Meeting of ASEAN and India Tourism Ministers, the discussion focused on regional cooperation, human resource development, information sharing for tourism investments and promoting the implementations of work processes under the ASEAN-India Tourism framework. In the evening, the Union Minister and party visited ASEAN Tourism Exhibition and observed the Myanmar booth. They then participated in the Malaysia Night, hosted by Malaysia who will host the forum in 2025.
On the 26th, the 23rd Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers Plus Three took place, and discussed matters on trial implementation of issuing visa on arrival for Chinese tourists for one year period, organizing ASEAN-China Tourism Ministers meeting starting 2025, and Myanmar’s recognition for assistance by China, Japan and Korea for tourism development. In the afternoon, Agoda made clarification on the cooperation with regional hotels for managing the waste products in ASEAN tourism industry.
During the 3rd meeting of ASEAN-Russia Tourism Ministers, the discussions were made on visa exemption for Russia tourists, and implementation of FAM trips for attracting more tourists from Russia. The Union Minister also took part in the Press Conference of ASEAN tourism ministers, and paid courtesy call on Laotian Prime Minister Mr. Sonexay Siphandone.
During the ASEAN Tourism prize presentation ceremony, Myanmar won 5 ASEAN Green Hotel Awards, 3 ASEAN MICE Venue Standard Awards (Category: Meeting Room), 2 ASEAN MICE Venue Standard Awards (Category: Exhibition Venue), 3 ASEAN MICE Venue Standard Awards (Category: Event Venue) and 1 ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award.
Moreover, Kengtung and Pathein won ASEAN Clean Tourist City Awards respectively. On the 27th, the Union Minister and party visited landmark Pha That Luang Stupa, and Wood Carving Museum in Vientiane. The delegation arrived back in Myanmar in the evening.
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