GMS countries are looking forward

The acclaimed Mekong Tourism Working Group of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) has met last week in Myanmar's new capital Nay Pyi Taw and worked out the latest plan for the ongoing development of tourism along the Mekong River as part of its economic co-operation in the sub-region, Myanmar?s state-owned "New Light of Myanmar" reported Sunday.

The 22nd GMS Tourism Working Group Meeting designated the year 2009-2010 as Visit Mekong Year with a Mekong Tourism Co-ordination Office (MTCO) as motor to run the tourism year's upcoming activities. It was confirmed that American Mason Florence, who is the publisher of  tourism magazines in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, will be the new appointed Executive Director of the MTCO based in an office at the Ministry of Tourism & Sports in Bangkok. 

Progress on the implementation of other plans of the six GMS countries was also touched upon at the meeting, which was attended by representatives of China (Yunnan & Guangxi), Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, all the six countries that are sharing parts of the Mekong River, the report said.

Myanmar, as one member of the six-country GMS, has also opted for closer economic ties together with other members of the group by taking part in the implementation of the GMS tourism strategy program.

Regarding the important tourism sector, Myanmar is co-operating with the other GMS members in 21 tourism projects from out of the 29 outlined at the GMS Tourism Investment Forum held in Lao PDR at the ancient city of Luang Prabang in March 2006. These projects cover the development of tourism infrastructure, human resources development, private tourism service development and market research.