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Asia-Pacific Cooperation: Virtual Ecotourism Summit (APES) 2022 IYE+20

9 January 2022
18811
2022-01-09 08:41

Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Dr. Htay Aung as a Keynote Speaker on Saturday attended the virtual Asia Pacific Ecotourism Summit (APES) 2022 IYE+20 hosted by the Asian Ecotourism Network. In his address, the Union Minister stressed that Myanmar’s tourism sector has been severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak – 79 percent down in 2020 and 87 percent in 2021.

Concerned officials have been working in line with the Myanmar Tourism Strategic Recovery Roadmap (2021-2025) based on the suggestions by international experts. It’s found out that tourists’ interest in destinations has changed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and, ecotourism destinations have poptential to develop in the post-COVID-19 era, he added.

The Union Minister also stressed the importance of environmental conservation. Also, he assured that the Myanmar’s tourism-related Roadmap, strategies and polices would bring benefit to the systematic and sustainable development of tourism sector in Myanmar.

2 representatives from Myanmar and other concerned officials made discussions on a series of topics including ‘New Normal’ and ‘Ecotourism Ethics’ as well as ‘Keynote Talks’ and ‘Policies’ for ecotourism development. This 2-day summit will cover such topics as ‘ecotourism by locals’ and ‘ecotourism by entrepreneurs’ on the 9th of January. It’s learnt that Myanmar has 41 ecotourism sites.

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