ATF-2022& Related meetings: “ASEAN- A Community of Peace and Shared Future”

With the theme, “ASEAN – A Community of Peace and Shared Future”, the 40th ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022 (ATF-2022), ASEAN Tourism Ministerial Meetings, related meetings and ceremonies hosted by Cambodia were held at Sokha beach resort in Preah Sihanouk province from 17th to 20th January.

A Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Dr. HtayAung participated in the meetings. On 18th January, the Union Minister met with Cambodian Tourism Minister Dr. Thong Khon and party at Sokha Resort Hotel.

At the meeting, they discussed plans on flying Siem Reap-Bagan direct flight in accord with implementation of Action Plan on Tourism Cooperation (2017-2020) between Cambodia and Myanmar, extension of the term of action plan, human resources development on eco-tourism and community based tourism, promoting tourism market of the two countries in post COVID-19.

In the afternoon of that day, the Union Minister participated in tree planting ceremony of ASEAN Tourism Ministers marking ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022. In the evening, the Union Minister attended opening ceremony of the forum and the reception dinner of Cambodian Prime Minister to ASEAN Tourism Ministers, deputy ministers, diplomats and guests.

At the opening ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen said that it needs to cooperate in unity and open manner among ASEAN people, partner countries and international organizations in addressing regional and global challenges.

That’s why, Cambodia has led and implemented drafting of Phnom Penh Declaration on a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient ASEAN Tourism in post COVID-19. Later, Khmer traditional cultural dances and traditional dances of ASEAN member states were entertained at the dinner and the forum was opened by displaying fireworks.

On 19th January, the Cambodian Prime Minister officially opened ASEAN Tourism Exhibition and viewed around ASEAN tourism booths together with the tourism ministers. Later, the Union Minister paid a courtesy call on the Cambodian Prime Minister together with the ASEAN secretary general, tourism ministers from ASEAN countries, deputy ministers and other delegates.

The Union Minister then joined ASEAN Tourism Forum and related meetings and discussed plan for resurgence of ASEAN tourism industry in post COVID-19, completion of health and safety protocol, further implementation of ASEAN Safe Travel Stamp and other matters.

The Union Minister then attended the press conference of ASEAN Tourism Ministers, awarding ceremony of ASEAN Tourism prize and launching ceremony of ASEAN tourism logo and ASEAN Tourism Promotion TV in commemoration of ASEAN tourism resuming.