Mekong nations to boost tourism

Tourism ministers from Thailand, Cambodia, China, Laos, Burma and Vietnam met in Bangkok yesterday as part of the Asean Tourism Forum, held in Bangkok from January 17 to January 26.

They announced a target to increase the number of visitors to the region to about 10 million over the next seven or eight years.

The Asian Development Bank has offered US$40 million (Bt1.2 billion) to finance tourism development projects particularly infrastructure-related.

Tourism officials also approved marketing strategies and tourism development plans for the region to encourage visitors to stay for longer periods.

Tourism and Sport Minister Sivit Yodmani said the new development plans would address existing impediments to cross-border tourism by improving facilities and visa formalities.

He added that the six Mekong nations aim to have a common GMS visa in the near future to promote three key areas to tourists - eco-tourism, culture and heritage, and adventure. To accomplish the goal, the six nations must improve tourism standards and services, enhance the skills of tourism managers, public officials and industry workers.

Several strategies were proposed during the Asean Tourism Forum. The Philippines proposed it would take care of Asean tourism marketing, and Indonesia the task force on tourism manpower development.

Malaysia will take charge of the task force on tourism investment, while Thailand will handle Asean tourism standards. Singapore will take care of the Asean crisis communication team as well as the Asean cruise working group.

Suchat Sritama

 The Nation