Hotels and Tourism sector: MoHT DM inspected hotel and tourism sector in Taunggyi

The Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism, U Phyo Zaw Soe, together with Shan State Minister for Economic Affairs U Khun Thein Maung, visited the Shwe Phone Pwint Pagoda, a prominent tourist attraction in Taunggyi on November 25. They inspected the preparations for gilding the pagoda and the arrangements made for visitors to pay homage to the pagoda.

Later, the Deputy Minister and Shan State Minister for Economic Affairs U Khun Thein Maung visited the Mwe Taw Kakku Pagoda in Kakku Village, Taunggyi Township. They reviewed the conditions and arrangements for pilgrimage tourism activities. The Deputy Minister also made donations to the Pagoda Board of Trustee.

In the afternoon, the Deputy Minister and party visited the Villa Inle Boutique Resort. They inspected the maintenance of cleanliness, greenery, and aesthetic surroundings of the hotel, ensuring that the facilities met international standards. They emphasized providing excellent services to tourists and maintaining safety for guests. The Deputy Minister also provided guidance on necessary improvements.

In the evening, the Deputy Minister and U Khun Thein Maung met with members of the Nyaung Shwe Destination Management Committee at the Aureum Palace Hotel in Nyaung Shwe. The meeting was attended by the Director and officials of the Taunggyi branch of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, departmental officials and local hotel operators.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister U Phyo Zaw Soe delivered opening remarks, highlighting that the Inle Lake region in Nyaung Shwe is a unique natural destination recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park, a Ramsar Wetland, an ASEAN Heritage Site, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. He noted the potential for bird-watching tours and emphasized the importance of tourism in creating employment opportunities for locals. He encouraged the production and sale of high-quality local food, traditional handicrafts, and souvenirs to boost micro, small and medium enterprises  (MSMEs) in the region, enhancing social and economic development. He urged destination management committees, business operators, and locals to work collaboratively towards these goals.

Following this, Shan State Economic Affairs Minister U Khun Thein Maung discussed the development of the hotel and tourism sector in Nyaung Shwe and Inle Lake, access to electricity, and collaboration among the government, private sector, and local communities. Participants, including destination management committee members, departmental representatives, and hotel operators, shared updates on their activities and challenges faced. The Deputy Minister addressed the issues raised and concluded the meeting with closing remarks.