Drones make a play at MTF

drone was seen flying over Mandalay a strategic town in the heart of Myanmar that controls road and river access to most of the central and northern region of the country.
There was no military intervention as the drone flew over a white-washed chedi and a fleet of tourist boats that gather at the town’s jetties.
The drone was part of an experiment to test if the technology could be used to capture video feed for special events. Delegates attending the Mekong Tourism Forum also witnessed a demonstration of the drone’s capability at a poolside party at Mandalay Hill Resort, courtesy of a Pacific Asia Travel Association. The exercise illustrated how commercial drones can be used for hotel and event promotions.
Commenting on the exercise, veteran travel agent and chairman of Asian Trails, Luzi Matzig said: “PATA introduced the concept of video promotions by drone… a first for Myanmar….We shot a short video of a boat trip to Mingun using drone technology that was aired at the MTF.”
“This was the first time such a concept was shown and people were impressed by the technology.”
PATA will consider broadening the concept and using it as a commercial project for members and events, according to Mr Matzig, who served on the association’s executive board until the Zuhai annual general meeting last month.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Working Group that controls the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office selected Jens Thraenhart as the next executive director just prior to the day-long Mekong Tourism Forum. He is due to start work 1 July.
However, the spotlight was on Mason Florence who after five years leaves the association to return to his publishing enterprise.
Both the Asian Development Bank and Myanmar’s Minister of Tourism, U Thay Aung, spoke of Mr Florence’s valuable contribution to Mekong tourism and his efforts to revive the annual Mekong Tourism Forum that disappeared off the radar for four years prior to his appointment.
But the new executive director, who has already been involved in successful Boot Camp seminars at the annual forum, will have a swathe of projects and events that Mekong stakeholders recommended for consideration.
Forum discussions focused on adding a triathlon, arts festival and vintage car rally. Mr Thraenhart is also a strong advocate that the Mekong region should have its own awards and recognition programme for outstanding tourism players.
On special events, Mr Matzig said: “The Mekong office should adopt the same policy as ASEAN and rotate events through the six country members.”
Minister of Tourism U Thay Aung talked about the possible upgrading of Mekong Tourism Office to a secretariat similar to the ASEAN secretariat.

Sourced: ttrweekly