Dutch agency to help develop tourism in Kayah State

 

He was referring to the Center for Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), which operates under the Netherlands' ministry of foreign affairs, and has been providing technical training and funding to three sectors of Myanmar’s economy: fisheries, garments and tourism.

“CBI is now surveying Kayah State to develop its tourism industry,” Maung Aung said, adding that the state could prosper from an increase in tourism. CBI is also providing tourism training courses and technical assistance, he said.  

The Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Hotels and Tourism are developing the tourism-development project in tandem with CBI and the International Trade Center. 

The aim of the project to add Kayah State as a new destination for foreign visitors to the country, the number of which has surged over the past three years.

CBI has identified tourism as a key industry for Myanmar’s development and said it aims to assist the rural population to reap some of the benefits of the surge in visitors by promoting sustainable and community-based tourism. The agency is connecting the Myanmar travel association with established networks and operators in Europe.

Kayah State has potential for tourism due to its proximity to Thailand and its rugged mountainous terrain, which includes deep caves as well as waterfalls, tour agents say. Large parts of the state, however, remain contaminated with landmines and a massive de-mining effort will be required to make it safe for tourists, as well as its residents, de-mining experts have said.