Union Minister U Ohn Maung attends ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019, related meetings

 

U Ohn Maung, Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism, and his delegation attended the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 (ATF) and its related meetings held from 14 to 18 January at the FLC Convention Center of FLC Bay Resort in Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam.

The Union Minister attended the forum’s opening ceremony on 16 January, the 22nd ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting on 17 January, and the 18th ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Ministers Meeting and 7th ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers Meeting on 18 January.

The various meetings shared statistics and investment news on tourism development in ASEAN countries and partner countries, plans for China, Japan, South Korea and India to reduce visa restrictions in order to increase tourism, introducing Myanmar’s new tourism campaign – ‘Myanmar, Be Enchanted’, and confirming Myanmar’s active participation in promoting regional tourism. The Union Minister also participated in discussions on the completed processes of the ASEAN Tourism Committee Meetings and the National Tourism Organizations’ work plans in 2018, and setting policies for the work plans in 2019.

On 18 January, the Union Minister attended the ASEAN Tourism Ministers Press Conference, ASEAN Tourism Awards, and the closing ceremony of the ATF 2019.

Myanmar won several of the 142 ASEAN Tourism Awards handed out at the forum. Kyite Thale Village in Twantay Tsp, Yangon Region and Saethel Village in Mandalay Region won the ASEAN Community Based Tourism Awards, while the ASEAN Public Toilet Award was given to the public toilets in Mingun tourism area, between 26th and 27th street and 70th street in Chanayetharzan Tsp in Mandalay Region, and in the Ocean Supercenter in Ottarathiri Tsp in Nay Pyi Taw.

During his trip, Union Minister U Ohn Maung also visited the Myanmar exhibition booth opened at the ASEAN Tourism Expo 2019 held at Quang Ninh Exhibition of Planning and Expo Center. The Union Minister also met with delegations from the ASEAN-China Center, ASEAN-Korea Center, Pacific-Asia Tourism Association, and Mekong Tourism Cooperation Office and discussed cooperation in promoting tourism, services, and capacity building.

The Union Minister and delegation also toured Viet Nam’s famous Ha Long Bay on a ship on 19 January. They observed the captivating natural landscapes, tourists roaming the area, and enjoyed the voyage while noticing the tourism development efforts behind it. The delegation returned to Myanmar in the evening.

MNA

Photo: MNA

(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)

Ref: The Global New light of Myanmar