Myanmar tourism officials detailed the country's development plans to cope with an expected leap in arrivals beginning this year during the keynote presentation at Lanith's 8th Quarterly Symposium held at Vientiane's Settha Palace.

Kyi Thein Ko, Head of Secretary, Myanmar Tourism Federation (MTF), and MTF Senior Tourism Advisor Daw Kyi Kyi Aye stressed partnerships, communication among stakeholders, and human resource development (HRD), at the Lanith (Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality) event co-sponsored by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).

Concerning connectivity, Daw Kyi Kyi Aye said Myanmar wants to develop international air hubs at its major destinations, expressways, better vehicles, and more overland routes to neighboring countries.

An attendee noted that currently no direct flights existed between Laos and Myanmar, and was curious about demand.

With an eye on the future, Daw Kyi Kyi Aye said the industry would focus on managing growth, reducing poverty, skills training and education, establishing the aforementioned hotel zones, encourage investment, and try to achieve best practices. The biggest challenges, she said, are research and development and coming up with a master plan.

www.pata.org