The President of the Republic of the Union of
Myanmar, U Thein Sein, has announced the country will initiate the process of
restoring its membership of UNWTO.
The
decision was confirmed during an official visit of UNWTO Secretary-General,
Taleb Rifai. On the occasion, highlighting the role of tourism in the future of
Myanmar , President Sein
joined the UNWTO/WTTC Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign (Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar , 7 May
2012).
“Tourism is a major sector of the economy not only
for Myanmar
but also for all countries around the world. It brings benefits to a country,
boosts its economy and create employment opportunities,” said President Sein.
“We therefore request that our membership of UNWTO be restored so that we can
obtain the relevant knowledge to further promote and develop our tourism
sector.”
Meeting with President Sein, Mr. Rifai assured him
that UNWTO stood ready to support Myanmar in taking full advantage of
its “tremendous tourism potential”.
“Myanmar
is a country abundant in natural and cultural resources, the foundation of any
tourism sector,” said Mr. Rifai. “Following talks with the Minister of Hotels,
Tourism and Sport, U Tint San, UNWTO will lend its expertise in a number of
areas, ranging from capacity-building to sustainable tourism practices and
travel facilitation, to responsibly develop tourism for the benefit of all.”
During his visit, Mr. Rifai, presented President
Sein with an Open Letter from UNWTO and the World Travel & Tourism Council
(WTTC) on the importance of tourism to global growth and development. Accepting
the Letter, President Sein stated that “tourism should be considered a
‘smokeless industry’ ” and one that “boosts growth, creates job opportunities,
conserves the environment and helps to maintain traditional arts and crafts.”
“Given the political support for tourism
demonstrated today, Myanmar
is set to significantly enhance its tourism sector over the coming years,” said
Mr. Rifai. “At the same time, the international community has been greatly
encouraged by recent reforms in Myanmar
and this will no doubt be reflected in an increasing numbers of tourists. These
tourists will quickly prove a vital source of jobs and economic growth, helping
to secure the country’s future prosperity. UNWTO is 100 per cent committed to
supporting Myanmar ,
to make sure that its tourism development is a success story.”
David Scowsill, President & CEO, WTTC said: “I
am pleased that the significance of the Travel & Tourism industry is
increasingly being recognised by Myanmar . With its rich
eco-diversity, natural and cultural heritage together with a commitment to
responsible tourism, Myanmar
is increasingly harnessing its Travel & Tourism potential. In 2011, the
industry contributed MMK1435.4bn to the GDP of the economy and contributed
726,500 jobs. By joining this global movement of Heads of State and Government
through this signing of the Open Letter, the President demonstrates his
commitment to support the growth and development of its Travel & Tourism
industry. “
According to UNWTO’s long-term forecast, Tourism
Towards 2030, international tourist arrivals to Asia
and the Pacific will increase from 204 million in 2010 to 535 million in 2030. South Asia will be the fastest growing sub-region in the
world, growing 6% a year. “Asia and the Pacific is the future powerhouse of
global tourism and Myanmar
is in a strategic position to receive a significant share of these arrivals,”
said Mr. Rifai.