Tourism development forum: Ayeyawady Region Tourism Industry Dev. Forum held

Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Dr. Thet Thet Khine gave a remark at the Ayeyawaddy Region Tourism Industry Development Forum held at the city hall of Pathein, Ayeyawaddy Region in the morning on 10th September. Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Dr. Thet Thet Khine said that the Ayeyawady Region Tourism Development Forum is organized to facilitate the development of tourist destinations within Ayeyarwady Region.

The aim is to ensure smooth implementation of processes, long-term sustainability of tourist areas, beautification of these areas, and to raise awareness about the responsibilities of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs).

Next,Ayeyarwady Region Chief Minister U Tin Maung Win elaborated on the objectives of organizing the Tourism Development Forum, current state of hotel and tourism industry development and many other matters.  Following that, the entertainment team from the Kayin Ethnic Literature and Culture Association (Kangyi Daunt Township) presented a traditional cultural performance.

After the performance, Union Minister Dr. Thet Thet Khine and Region Minister for Economic Affairs honored Pathein City with the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award for 2024. They also presented certificates of appreciation and cash prize to the entertainment team from the Kayin Ethnic Literature and Culture Association and awarded certificates of recognition to the experts who participated in the forum.

A group photo was taken to commemorate the occasion.After that, the Union Minister toured the exhibition of tourism development documentation photos, local handicrafts, and regional cuisine that were displayed.After giving clarification of the topic “tourism industry sustainable development process” by Deputy Director General of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, the 5 groups of participants conducted panel discussion under five topics.

In the afternoon, Union Minister Dr. Thet Thet Khine visited the Shwemokhtaw Pagoda in Pathein City, which is adorned with golden donations. She observed the conditions for pilgrims and tourists visiting the site. She also visited the 152-year-old Catholic Church, which is recognized as a historic building.

Subsequently, the Union Minister toured the designated rest areas along the Ngawun Riverbank, which are intended for tourists' relaxation. She also visited the site of a project by the Ayeyarwady Region Development Committee, which is working on upgrading a three-tiered garden. She reviewed the progress and provided guidance on necessary improvements.