Virtual Tourism Committee Meeting (2/2021) held

Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Dr Htay Aung attended a virtual meeting of the Tourism Committee (2/2021) at the Sapphire Hall of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism yesterday morning.
The directors-general, deputy permanent secretary, deputy directors-general, and departmental officials attended the meeting in person, while the Nay Pyi Taw Council member, Tourism Committee member, ministers in charge of Hotels and Tourism from regions/states governments, tourism professionals, representatives from private tourism organizations and regional and state branch officials, including Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, attended online.
At the meeting, the Union Minister, in his capacity as Chairman of the Working Committee, said that the COVID-19 epidemic was a genetic mutation and that it was spreading locally and in some neighbouring countries.
“There have been inquiries about cross-border travel, so there is a need for health safety procedures. Once the rules and regulations have been set, it is necessary to be prepared to accept them,” the Union Minister said.
He said the widespread implementation of nature-based tourism, rural tourism, agro-based tourism and community-based tourism in each region and state including the Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and that could greatly contribute to the socio-economic development of the local people.
Next, the Secretary of the Working Committee Department of Hotels and Tourism director-general explained the status of applying for national level certificates in line with the Enchanting Myanmar Health and Safety Protocol (HSP) programme.
Afterwards, state/regions ministers discussed the situation of visitors and revenue, completion of the COVID-19 vaccination to the hotels and tourism staff, and identification of new destinations.
Quarantine hotels and 360-degree video recording status for travel promotion and business requirements were also discussed according to relevant sectors.
Next, tourism experts discussed the situation of wellness tourism for regional development, job creation in the country, the hotel guest list management system and introducing mutual recognition programmes between ASEAN countries in the hotel and tourism sector.
Representatives of private tourism organizations also discussed ASEAN tourism awards and accreditation issues, facilitating the application process on the HSP website and real-time reporting of tourist information in states and regions.
The Union Minister clarified the matter and made concluding remarks. —MNA