Development of Gastronomy Tourism: Myanmar delegation joins the UN Tourism Regional Forum

Myanmar Delegation led by Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Phyo Zaw Soe attended the First UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in Cebu, of the Philippines on June 26th.

During the opening ceremony, the Lapu-Lapu City Mayor of the Philippines, the Secretary-General of the UN Tourism and the Secretary of Tourism in the Philippines made the opening remarks. During the opening Ministerial Dialogue,  participants discussed the destination promotion, development of tourism sector, enabling local people to participate in tourism and establishing the important tourism policies for making profit through gastronomy tourism.

The discussions also encompassed on theFAO Mountain Partnership Project,reducing food waste, using more local products, achievements of gastronomy tourism in Asia and the Pacific,  efforts of Cebu City for the development of gastronomy tourism, market survey, policies and competitive enhancements.

On the 28th, the delegation participated in the opening ceremony of the 36th Joint Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for East Asia and the Pacific, and the UN Toruism Commission for South Asia where Philippine President Mr. Ferdinand Bongbong Romualdez Marcos Jr. gave an opening remark. During the meeting, Deputy Minister U Phyo Zaw Soe discussed matters on investing in new technologies in response to climate change associated with the tourism industry, preventing environmental damage in the development of tourism attractions issues,  establishing accurate and comprehensive policies and institutional strengthening.

Myanmar Delegation departed from the Philippines on the 30th, and arrived back in Myanmar on the same day.