The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024, along with several ministerial meetings, took place at the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, spanning from 22 to 27 January.
Led by Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism, Dr Thet Thet Khine, the Myanmar delegation participated in the forum and related meetings, at the invitation of Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket, Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Lao PDR.
The opening ceremony of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 commenced on the evening of 24 January at the Don Chan Palace Hotel in Vientiane. Notable attendees included Deputy Prime Minister of Lao PDR, Professor Dr Kikeo Khaikhamphithoune, along with ASEAN tourism ministers, representatives from partner countries China, Japan, South Korea, India, and the Russian Federation, the ASEAN Secretary-General, and other distinguished guests.
During the forum, the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Lao PDR delivered the opening speech.
On 25 January, the Union Minister participated in the ASEAN Tourism Forum-2024 and the 27th meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers. Discussions revolved around collaboration for sustaining the tourism industry in ASEAN countries, including Myanmar. Myanmar’s tourism industry received 1.24 million travellers in 2023, contributing to ASEAN’s total of 93.76 million travellers. Additionally, plans were outlined to rejuvenate Myanmar’s tourism sector and Myanmar’s readiness to serve as the vice-chair of the 28th ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2025.
Furthermore, she attended the 11th ASEAN-India Tourism Ministers Meeting and visited the ASEAN Tourism Exhibition, where the Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association showcased its offerings.
The delegation also participated in Malaysia Night, hosted by Malaysia, the next chair of the ASEAN Tourism Forum-2025.
On 26 January, the Union minister was present at the 23rd ASEAN-China, Japan, South Korea Tourism Ministers Meeting and voted on holding the ASEAN-China Tourism Ministers Meeting in 2025.
Moreover, the delegation attended several other events, including the 3rd ASEAN-Russia Federation Tourism Ministers Meeting, a press conference of the ASEAN Tourism Ministers, a ceremony with the Prime Minister of Lao PDR Mr Sonexay Siphandone, an awarding ceremony for ASEAN tourism standards, and the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024.
Myanmar received accolades in various categories, including the ASEAN Green Hotel Award, ASEAN MICE Venue Standard Award, and the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award. Additionally, Keng Tung and Pathein were honoured with the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award.
As part of the visit, the delegation explored the Pha That Luang Stupa and the wooden sculpture museum, showcasing Lao’s traditional wood arts, to promote tourism in Vientiane. — MNA/TMT
