Govt seeks to expand tourism in Kayah State
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The government will implement a three-year tourism development plan for Kayah State as part of its National Export Strategy framework.
Strategies under the development plan will be implemented from 2015 onwards. Kayah State is bounded by Shan State and Kayin State, as well as Thailand’s Mae Hong Son province. The state boasts tourism potential with rugged mountains, river streams, lakes and waterfalls. Transportation has proved difficult, though.
A delegation led by Matthias Knappe from the International Trade Centre (ITC), and two analysts from the Centre for Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), came to Myanmar in April to discuss tourism development strategies.
During the visit, they met with the Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism to explain their plan and ongoing programmes. They also met with an official from the small and medium enterprise department to discuss increasing the production of handicrafts and artisanal work.
Marie Claude from ITC and an expert from CBI travelled around Inle Lake, Shan State and villages from Loikaw and Demawso, Kayah State to discuss with government officials and locals about the prospects of developing tourism in Kayah State. They also sought to provide techniques for product development in villages and to develop associations related to the tourism industry.
Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in Myanmar as foreign arrivals in Myanmar has increased from 1.05 million in 2012 to 2.04 million in 2013.
The government recently resolved to draw up the National Export Strategy. Aside from agricultural products, tourism is one of six key sectors that raises hard-earned foreign income.
