With Myanmar featuring in the international news, and the world watching as the country opens up, the first international travel trade event in Myanmar will be held in the countrys historic ancient capital of Bagan, this Sunday, November 27. With the outlook of increased international engagement and a relaxation of regulations, business leaders, investors and global tourism professionals are enthusiastic about the prospects of engaging with Myanmar.

Tour operators, hoteliers, international organizations and government officials from the Greater Mekong Sub-region and around the world will convene at the Travel Leaders Symposium on Sustainable Tourism. They will make new contacts and map out strengths, opportunities and challenges of managing the anticipated tourism boom in Myanmar. The forum venue is one of the worlds largest ancient cities containing over 2,500 temples dating from the 11th century.

We are looking forward to welcoming guests from all Asia and the world, said H.E. U Tint Hsan, Minister, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. We are very proud to host this event in an iconic location in Myanmar. We want to build a successful and sustainable tourism future for the country. Bagan is a good place to start.

Organizers expect over 100 participants at the event. According to Luzi Matzig, Chief Executive Officer of Asian Trails, a major tour operator in the region, Myanmar stands at a crossroads of tourism development. The country is one of the worlds most exciting new travel destinations. As a spectacular choice for international visitors, it also faces the challenge of growing tourism while preserving the authenticity of the indigenous travel experience.

During the event, sessions will be held on topics such as sustainable tourism and the environment, best-case practices in community-based tourism and using social media for responsible tourism development. Participants will also examine how modern technology such as electronic visas can contribute to the growth of arrivals and the efficiency of tourism in Myanmar and the Greater Mekong Sub-Region. The event will wrap up with a Travel Leaders Roundtable Discussion entitled, The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Myanmar.

Mason Florence, Executive Director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), said: Myanmar is quickly re-emerging as Asias next fabulous tourism destination for visitors who prefer to travel independently, and pay a premium over joining traditional tour groups. These travellers like to experience and interact at a deeper level with the local culture, heritage, and the people. Myanmar offers an incredible range of such experiences.