Culture &Tourism : Efforts for development of cultural tourism

Aiming for the long-term resilience of ancient heritage in Kengtung District, Shan State (South) and systematic maintenance measures, Union Minister for Hotels, Tourism and Culture U Maung Myint inspected the Ngan Pha  Moat excavation site organized by the Department of Archaeology and National Museum on Friday.

The Union Minister stressed on systematic excavation and research measures, keeping original structure, as well as to make explanatory signboards in Myanmar, English and Shan languages for the convenience of the public.

Subsequently, the Union Minister and officials proceeded to Maha Myat Muni Buddha Image and Khemarattha  Prophesying Standing Buddha Image, paid homage to the Buddha Images and gave instructions on the development of pilgrimage tourism.

They then inspected the over 100 years old ancient buildings within RCM Church compound. On the same day, the Union Minister attended the Cherry Building bronze plaque installation ceremonyat No.2 Basic Education High School, delivered an opening speech and unveiled the plaque.

He encouraged for the active participation of the public in ancient heritage preservation works. Later, the Union Minister attended the opening ceremony of the Thai Language (Basic) Training Course, organized by the Ministry at the Center for Tourism Development, and delivered the opening remarks.

The training course aims to develop human resources in the hotels and tourism sector, strengthen Myanmar–Thailand bilateral friendship and cultural exchanges, promote regional tourism, and enhance the quality of services provided to visitors.

The training course will be conducted for about eight weeks with the attendance of 40 trainees. Next, the Union Minister met with local ethnic literature and cultural associations at Kengtung Cultural Museum, oversaw the displays of ethnic groups, which showcase the customs, lifestyles and distinctive art works of the ethnic communities.

He instructed on close resemble of original physical features and characteristics of respective ethnic groups. At state owned Amazing Keng Tung Resort and Kyaing Tong Paradise Hotel, the Union Minister inspected the operation process.

Upon reports presented by the officials, the Union Minister called for the concerted efforts of the hoteliers to implement Kengtung as Tourism Hub and Cultural & Eco-Tourism City. The Union Minister also urged to promote regional customs, handicrafts and traditional food and oversaw the ancient documentary photos displayed at Kengtung Haw Nan.

At Kengtung waterfall resort, the Union Minister encouraged to preserve natural environment and ecosystem, safety measures and better service provision. He also elaborated on Eco-Tourism development and inspected the Community based Tourism village implementation.

On Saturday, the Union Minister attended the bronze plaque installation ceremony at over 100-year-old Loi Mwe Post, and unveiled the plaque. Upon arrival at Loi Mwe Centennial Residence, the Union Minister stressed on requisite renovation measures and instructed to make a list of colonial ancient buildings within Loi Mwe area. 

The Union Minister then proceeded to Buddha Park, one of the major tourist attractions of Kengtung, gave instructions on cleanliness of the park and its long-term resilience and promotion of pilgrimage tourism.

The Union Minister also cordially greeted the patients at Thila Dhamma Hospital within the park, comforted the patients and provided cash assistance. In the afternoon, the Union Minister visited Myanmar-Laos Friendship Bridge (KengLat  Bridge), stressed on convenient transportation, better service provision and cross-border tourism promotion.