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TWENTY NINTH MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-29)

Chiang Rai, Thailand, 12 June 2012


SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS
Introduction

1.

The 29th Meeting of the GMS Tourism Working Group (TWG-29) was held in Chiang Rai,
Thailand on 12 June 2012, attended by the representatives of the National Tourism Organizations
172V  RI WKH VL[ *06 FRXQWULHV &DPERGLD 3HRSOHV 5HSXEOLF RI &KLQD-Guangxi Zhuang
Autonomous Region and Yunnan Province, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam), the
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), development partners including ADB, PATA,
Mekong Institute, World Vision, and the Environment Operations Center. A copy of the List of
Participants is in Appendix 1.
Agenda Item 1: Opening Session

2.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Thanitta Savetsila Maneechote, Deputy Permanent Secretary
of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand (MoTS), welcomed all participants to TWG-29
which would review and provide continued direction to the implementation of the Refocused
Tourism Strategy endorsed by the GMS Tourism Ministers in 2011. She expressed her thanks to
the GMS NTOs, MTCO, ADB, PATA and other development partners for their support and
declared the meeting open.

3.

Mr. Craig Steffensen, Country Director, Thailand Resident Mission, Asian Development
Bank, expressed his appreciation to the MoTS and MTCO for organizing the meeting. He noted
the achievements of the GMS Economic Cooperation Program as it celebrates its 20 th anniversary
this year and referred to the new GMS Strategic Framework (GMS SF) covering 2012-2022 that
was formally endorsed by the GMS Leaders at their Fourth Summit held in December 2011 in
Myanmar. The new GMS SF prioritizes, among others, the development of the Mekong region as
a single tourism destination, human resource development that supports GMS integration, and
development of the GMS economic corridors. These strategic objectives are harmonized with the
Refocused GMS Tourism Sector Strategy and Roadmap that the GMS Tourism Ministers
endorsed in January 2011.
He mentioned that the new GMS SF will focus on widening and deepening the GMS
economic corridors through multisector investments aimed at enhancing tourism, trade, and trade
facilitation services that contribute to poverty reduction. There will be continued focus on software
investments to complement infrastructure, and increased emphasis on knowledge generation and
management. There will also be greater selectivity and prioritization within and across sectors, to
achieve more tangible program impact. Closer links to the broader regional integration agenda and
coordination with other regional organizations like ASEAN will be pursued. There will also be a
1

stronger focus on monitoring and evaluation, and improving program implementation to enhance
effectiveness. These strategic directions should guide the Tourism Working Group and the
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office in the formulation of a subregional tourism-related
investment pipeline that is practical, implementable, and results focused, and that would help in
WUDQVIRUPLQJWKH*06LQWRRQHRIWKHZRUOGVEHVWPDQDJHGWRXULVWGHVWLQDWLRQV

4.

Mr. Mason Florence, Executive Director, MTCO, expressed his thanks to the MoTS for all
the excellent arrangements for the meeting and other earlier events. He expressed appreciation to
the Thai Government for its continued hosting of the MTCO and looked forward to working further
in close coordination with the GMS NTOs, ADB, and other development partners.

5.

Copies of the opening remarks are in Appendix 2.

Agenda Item 2:

Adoption of the Agenda

6.

The Meeting was chaired by Mrs. Thanitta Savetsila Maneechote, MoTS, Thailand, and cochaired by Mr. Craig Steffensen, ADB.

7.

The Meeting adopted the provisional agenda, copy in Appendix 3.

Agenda Item 3:

Business arrangements

8.

The meeting secretariat informed the participants about the arrangements for the TWG-29
meeting, lunch and dinner hosted by the MoTS, and the Closed Meeting of the MTCO Board later
in the afternoon. The TWG-29 meeting was held in plenary. Secretariat support was provided by
the MTCO and the GMS Secretariat based at ADB.
Report and follow-up of the 28th GMS Tourism Working Group Meeting,
29 November 2011, Bagan, Myanmar

Agenda Item 4:

9.

Representative of Myanmar briefed the participants on the highlights of TWG-28 held in


Bagan, Myanmar on 29 November 2011, as follows:
x

GMS Tourism Events hosted in Myanmar included the 7UDYHO/HDGHUV6\PSRVLXPRQ


Sustainable Tourism (27 November 2011), Joint Steering Committee Meeting on
Sustainable Tourism Development Project (28 November 2011), 28th Meeting of the
GMS Tourism Working Group (29 November 2011), and Closed Meeting of the Mekong
Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Board (29 November 2011).

There were other parallel events such as the GMS Cultural Show, GMS Travel
Exhibition, Spectrum of Myanmar Photo Expo, technical tours, Bagan Night Bazaar,
and media-related events.

Agenda Item 5:
5.1

Implementation of the GMS Tourism Sector Strategy


Sub-regional Joint Marketing Program

5.1.1

Progress report on Explore Mekong Campaign and


www.ExploreMekong.org

5.1.2
5.1.3
5.1.4
5.1.5
5.1.6

Update on calendar of past/future GMS tourism events and MTCO


participation
Presentation of MTCO/Mekong media clippings
Update on production and distribution plan of GMS map
Demonstration of Mekong Responsible Tourism E-Guide
Update on rotation scheme of future TWG meetings and Mekong Tourism
Forum

10.

Mr. Florence, MTCO, reported that since January 2012, travel journalist Mr. Luc Citrinot
has been engaged to update 4 5 monthly featured articles on www.exploremekong.org. The
website www.mekongtourismforum.org has carried banner features on the Mekong Tourism
Forum 2012 and related preparatory activities, including inspection trips to Chiang Rai. MTCO
Executive Director held press conferences on MTF 2012 for local media (Chiang Rai, 5 June
2012) and international media (Thailand Travel Mart Plus, 7 June 2012, Bangkok). On 5 March
2012, MTCO received a group of GMS Tourism Study Tour by South Asia Sub-regional Tourism
Working Group to learn more about its vision and mission for the GMS TWG.
Mr. Florence reported on his attendance at several speaking engagements at various
locations (Bhutan, Thailand, Lao PDR, and U.S.A.) and plans for future participation in GMS
tourism and international travel fairs to be held during the year in Viet Nam, Philippines, Japan,
Singapore, PRC, and U.K. He also mentioned several media clippings on GMS tourism-related
articles that appeared in various news publications. Production of the GMS Map has been
completed and it is now ready for distribution.
Mr. Florence presented his future plans and recommendations, including:
(i)

institutional website www.mekongtourism.org (comprising of


www.mekongtourism.org and www.mekongtourismforum.org); and

(ii)

consumer website www.exploremekong.org (comprising of


www.exploremekong.org and www.mekongresponsibletourism.org; for Ms.
Christine Jacquemin to continue to manage www.mekongresponsibletourism.org
(independent of MTCO); merge www.mekongresponsibletourism.org content into
www.exploremekong.org; update and improve content, design and functionality of
www.exploremekong.org; proposal to potential partners for foreign language
translations; and promotion of the website and application for awards (PATA Gold
Award, WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Award, etc.).

Based on country rotation scheme for hosting of TWG meetings, TWG-30 would be held in
November 2012 in Viet Nam, TWG-31 and MTF 2013 in May 2013 in PRC, and TWG-32 in
November 2013 in Cambodia.
Open Discussion:

11.

Chair thanked MTCO for the report and looked forward to its continued active support for
7:*VSURJUDPV

12.

Viet Nam made the following recommendations:


(i)

for MTCO to carefully summarize and monitor the agreements and decisions
arrived at TWG meetings, the required follow-up actions, and pending items and
issues needing TWG consideration at the next meeting;

(ii)

knowledge products, e.g. GMS maps and other materials produced by MTCO to be
circulated widely, not only to NTOs, but also to development partners and the
general public;

(iii)

for the MTCO websites to be consolidated into a single website

(iv)

MTCO to strengthen working relationship with the ASEAN-Japan Center, JICA, and
ROK to promote GMS tourism initiatives; and

(v)

MTCO to continue working to have promotional materials translated into local


ODQJXDJHV&DPERGLDVHFRQGHG9LHW1DPVUHFRPPHQGDWLRQV

13.

Mr. Florence noted that some of these recommendations would have budget implications
and might be discussed at the Closed MTCO Board Meeting later in the afternoon.

14.

Mr. Steven Schipani, ADB, recalled the knowledge sharing forum proposed at the
Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP) Steering Committee Meeting held the previous
GD\DQGWKHFDOOIRU07&2WRDVVLVWLQRUJDQL]LQJWKHHYHQWZLWK$'%VVXSSRUWHe supported the
proposal of Vietnam and seconded by Cambodia, and recalled that in the past, MTCO prepared a
summary of TWG meeting decisions and which MTCO could revive for future TWG meetings. He
noted that MTCO has done a good job in raising the profile of the GMS through his speaking
engagements; however, TWG would be able to better appreciate the significance and usefulness
of these events if the MTCO Executive Director could submit brief summary reports indicating who
were the key personalities that attended the event, what were discussed that were significant to
TWG, and the useful follow up actions required.

15.

Viet Nam expressed appreciation to the Tourism Authority of Thailand for its efforts in
having GMS-related materials featured in its booth at the recent travel mart.

16.

$FRS\RI0U)ORUHQFHVUHSRUWLVLQAppendix 4.
5.2

GMS Country Project Updates on Implementation of Refocused GMS


Tourism Sector Strategy Priority Programs (Tourism-Related Human
Resource Development, Pro-poor, Sustainable Tourism Development, Subregional Marketing and Product Development)

17.

Representatives of NTOs presented reports on the status of implementation of projects and


DFWLYLWLHV XQGHU WKH UHIRFXVHG *06 7RXULVP 6HFWRU 6WUDWHJ\V  SULRULW\ SURJUDPV QDPHO\
tourism-related human resource development, pro-poor sustainable tourism development, and
subregional marketing and product development.
5.2.1

,PSURYLQJ 0DUNHW $FFHVV IRU WKH 3RRU LQ &HQWUDO &DPERGLD


(presentation by Cambodia)

18.

Representative of Cambodia briefed the meeting on the progress of JFPR 9156 CAM
,PSURYLQJ 0DUNHW $FFHVV IRU WKH 3RRU LQ &HQWUDO &DPERGLD IXQGHG E\ WKH -DSDQ )XQG IRU
Poverty Reduction administered by ADB, and with joint cooperation of the Ministry of Tourism and
Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts (Cambodia), and Waseda University (Japan). The letter of
agreement for the project was signed in April 2011. The project is designed to link an ADB rural
roads improvement project with the economic benefits of an emerging tourist market at Sambo
Prei Kuk temple site in Central Cambodia. Currently, there are a number of challenges in the
protected zone, including illegal construction of houses, illegal borrow pits, forest clearance, land
dealing and enclosures, ad-hoc development, and stealing of artefacts. The project is helping

prepare local communities, provide tourist services, set up visitor information and preservation
facilities, promote and market locally processed foods and cuisine, produce and brand handicrafts
for the tourist market, and develop community market and tourist facilities.
5.2.2

*XDQJ[L-1RUWKHDVW9LHW1DP%RUGHUODQGV7RXULVP=RQH(presentation
by Guangxi Province, PRC)

19.

Representative of Guangxi Province reported that under the HRD and Capacity Building
Program, Guangxi has served as a training base for participants from Cambodia, Lao PDR,
Thailand, and Viet Nam. More than 150 middle level public officials (city and country level) have
undergone training on tourism administration. Under the Protection of Traditional Living Cultures
Project, there are 37 nonmaterial cultural heritage entities listed in the national lists and 193 in the
provincial lists. There are 67 museums, including 10 eco-museums for ethnic minorities. Senior
provincial officials attended marketing activities in Myanmar in March 2012.
5.2.3

&URVV-border Travel Route in Shangri-la-Tengchong-Myitkyina


7RXULVP=RQH(presentation by Yunnan Province, PRC)

20.

Representative of Yunnan Province reported on the Shangri-La-Tengchong-Myitkyina


Tourism Zone which covers the Western region and Northwestern region of Yunnan, PRC, and the
other areas under the jurisdiction of Mandalay Province and Kachin State in North Myanmar. This
Zone has rich and diverse tourism resources and offers 5 major advantages in terms of (i) location
(straddling East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia and connecting the Pacific and Indian
Oceans, thus representing important and growing tourist source areas); (ii) rich tourism resources
(numerous world natural and cultural heritage sites, unique natural landscapes and mysterious
national cultures and folk customs; (iii) development assistance for promoting tourism
development and poverty reduction from many international and non-governmental organizations;
(iv) tourism industry in Shangri-la and Tengchong have developed into important tourism
destinations and can play a lead role in the Tourism Zone; and (v) increasing and improving
bilateral cooperation between PRC and Myanmar in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange/visits.
While the Zone faces certain challenges (insufficient accommodation facilities, poor tourism
infrastructure, lack of human resources and unsatisfactory tourism investment environment), there
are more opportunities and prospects are relatively bright.It is projected that by 2020, the Tourism
Zone would receive 200,000 Chinese tourists, 50,000 international tourists and 30,000 thirdcountry tourists each year. Focus in 2013-2015 will be on development of tourist products,
construction of infrastructure (highway, railway, waterway, and airway), accommodation facilities,
and soft environment development (information system for self-driving tourism, professional
training for tourist practitioners, and improvement of coordination and communication between the
Chinese and Myanmar governments). Coordination mechanism based on mutual trust and
understanding is particularly important. Yunnan Province is carrying out certain measures aimed at
simplifying and reducing the formalities and cost for transacting cross-border certificates to push
the development of the cross-border tourism zone, as well as promoting multilateral cooperation
with neighbouring countries through personnel training and tourism promotion in various
exhibitions, and publication of Guide for Cross-border Travel Routes based on Guide for Travel on
Kunming-Bangkok Road.

21.

Representative of Yunnan Province reported also on Tourism Development in West


Yunnan Tengchong-Ruili Tourism Zone, that covers a total area of 31,200 sq. km with over 30
ethnic minorities and represents land access between South Asia and Southeast Asia, known as
the Southern Silk Route in ancient times and the gateway to Yunnan-Myanmar Highway and
China-India Highway (Stilwell Road) in modern times. Currently there are 3 national ports, 2
provincial ports, and more than 100 border crossings. In the next 3-5 years, the West Yunnan
Tengchong-Ruili Tourism Zone, which has rich historical, cultural, and natural tourism assets, will
5

be built into a three dimensional traffic network integrating highway, railway, and air, and gradually
show the convenient and open location advantage facing South Asia and Southeast Asia, thereby
becoming the frontier channel for establishing China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and China-IndiaMyanmar-Bangladesh regional cooperation, and the heartland for establishing two-way tourism
channel between China and ASEAN and between China and South Asia.
5.2.4

([SHULHQFHV LQ /DR 3'5 ZLWK WKH EURDGHQHG SUR-poor tourism


GHYHORSPHQWDSSURDFK(presentation by Lao PDR)

22.

Representative of Lao PDR recalled the thrusts on pro-poor tourism development program
as enunciated in the Refocused GMS Tourism Sector Strategy, including the need to broaden the
approach to significantly impact on poverty reduction through interventions that improve linkages
with the broader local economy and between the tourism sector and other sectors of the local
economy. In this context, pro-poor development initiatives in Lao PDR have been on the Nam Ha
Ecotourism Development Project, Mekong Tourism Development Project, and the GMSSustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP). Under the ongoing STDP, Lao PDR piloted the
approach in 20 district areas, 18 tourism sites/tourism development zones in 9 provinces, 2
tourism routes (Tea Caravan Trail in Bokeo and Luang Namtha Provinces and Savannakhet
Historic Trail). Three case studies illustrating the updated model were done in Khoun Lang Cave
Nature Park, Vientiane Province, Saleuy Waterfall and village cluster, Houaphanh Province, Ban
Yor village cluster, and Oudomxay Province. These case studies illustrated improved access to
tourism resources and potential markets, and promotion of micro enterprises and capacity building
(establishment/training of guide service units, development of trails, organization and training of
handicraft producers), and HVWDEOLVKPHQW RI VXSSOLHU VXSSRUW SDUWQHUVKLSV EHWZHHQ ORFDO
handicraft producers with buyers/traders. The STDP in Lao PDR is supporting a GHVWLQDWLRQ
DSSURDFKZKHUHWKHGHVWLQDWLRQDVDZKROHLVLQWHJUDOO\GHYHORSHGPDUNHWHGDQGSURPRWHGand
focuses on a few destinations that combine multiple tourism products and other economic activity,
and link tourism and handicraft producers with private sector buyers/traders through supplier
support partnerships.
5.2.5

5HVSRQVLEOH 7RXULVP ,QLWLDWLYHV LQ 0\DQPDU (presentation


Myanmar)

by

23.

Myanmar stressed that responsible tourism can maximize the positive effects and mitigate
the negative impacts on tourism, raise awareness of responsible tourism, and put its sound
principles into practice. Myanmar hosted three workshops on 28-29 November 2011 in Bagan on
WKHWRSLFV)URP/RFDOL]DWLRQWR*OREDOL]DWLRQ5HVSRQVLEOH7RXULVPDQGE-tourism Asia Social
Media %RRW &DPS ZKHUH LQWHUQDWLRQDO H[SHUWV RQ 5HVSRQVLEOH 7RXULVP VHUYHG DV PRGHUDWRUV
With support from Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) of Germany, Myanmar organized Responsible
Tourism Workshops and Conference held on 21-23 February 2012 in Nay Pyi Taw where a Nay
Pyi Taw Responsible Tourism Statement was issued. Consensus has been reached that a
Myanmar Responsible Tourism Policy is needed to provide the foundation for a Myanmar Tourism
Development Strategy and Master (Action) Plan. A Workshop on Formulation of the Draft
Responsible Tourism Policy was held on 4 June 2012 in Nay Pyi Taw that resulted in the adoption
of 57 National Action Points.
5.2.6

6RXWKHUQ&RUULGRU(presentation by Thailand)

24.

Representative of Thailand briefed the meeting about preparations for the 2nd Trilateral
Meeting of Southern Tourism Corridor (Cambodia-Thailand-Vietnam), scheduled to be held on 2728 August 2012 in Trat Province. This will be a follow up of the first meeting held at Sihanoukville
in 2007. The objectives of the meeting are to review cooperation among provinces in the boundary
of the Southern Tourism Corridor, to design tourism routes linking Cambodia, Thailand and
Vietnam, and to set guidelines for jointly developing tourism routes in the Southern Corridor. A

total of fifteen (15) participants - 5 each from Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand - will be invited, to
consist of representatives of NTOs, tour operators, tourist guides and related tourism businesses.
Each country is requested to present a country paper on tourist destinations for linking with others
in the Southern Economic Corridor. There will be one-and-a-half day workshop and a half-day
study tour on potential tourist destinations. Official invitation letters with program will be sent to
each country (Cambodia and Vietnam) by the second week of July 2012. Thailand will organize
the workshop and sponsor registration fee, meals and domestic transportation (from
Suvarnabhumi International Airport to the venue in Trat Province). Airfare and accommodation
expenses will be the responsibility of participants.

25.

7KH VHFRQG SURMHFW EHLQJ SUHSDUHG LV D :RUNVKRS RQ 3URPRWing Responsible Heritage
7RXULVP IRU *06 The objectives of the project are to promote and develop sustainable and
responsible tourism in the heritage destinations, to promote the linkage of heritage tourism in the
GMS, and to develop intangible tourism products in the GMS. Three (3) participants from each
GMS member country will be invited to attend the workshop cum study tour, comprising of
representatives of NTOs and representatives of World Heritage Sites or Heritage Properties in
GMS Countries. The workshop will be held in early February 2013 in Sukhothai Province. Thailand
will invite UNESCO Specialists on Tangible and Intangible Heritage Tourism, Thai Scholars and
GMS Specialists on Tangible and Intangible Heritage Tourism as resource persons.
5.2.7

Development of National Tourism Skills in Viet Nam (presentation by


Viet Nam)

26.

Representative of Viet Nam described the state management of tourism involving the State
Committee on Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Viet Nam National
Administration of Tourism, and Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism at provincial level.
The legal framework is guided by the Tourism Law, Strategy and Master Plan for Tourism
Development 2011-2020 Vision to 2030, and commitments under multilateral and bilateral
cooperation frameworks on tourism such as in ASEAN and WTO. HRD has an important role in
tourism in the context of enhancing employment opportunities, facilitating standardization of
management and service skills, contributing to sustainable development and poverty reduction.
The tourism sector, however, is confronted by a number of challenges in the educational system
(lack of in-school practical training and training materials/equipment, and over-utilized school
facilities), and the industry itself (lack of universal standards and skills competencies, and low
language proficiencies). To address these challenges, Viet Nam has adopted a National Skills
Recognition System (SRS) for the tourism industry aimed at improving skills standard and quality,
and sustaining the quality and quantity of HR. The key components of the SRS are tourism
occupational skills standards, training development program, tourism certification board, and
assessment centers. Benefits include provision of on-the-job training to workers, national
certification of experienced workers, opportunity for recruiters to source trained and qualified
personnel, consistency of industry standards, availability of a professional training framework,
provision of benchmark for curriculum design to schools, and promotion of labour mobility. Viet
Nam put forward the following recommendations: (i) all tourism stakeholders to emphasize HRD
as vital for sustainable and high quality tourism development; (ii) developing countries to take
advantage of international cooperation to support their tourism HRD programs/activities; and (iii)
countries to share knowledge and expertise in HRD.

Open Discussion:

27.

,Q UHVSRQVH WR 9LHW 1DPV TXHU\ 0\DQPDU VWDWHG WKDW WKH SULRULW\ DFWLRQV XQGHU LWV
responsible tourism policy were arrived at after consultation with the public and private sectors.

28.

Copies of presentations and reports under this agenda item are in Appendix 5.

Agenda Item 6:
6.1

GMS Country Updates on Tourism Arrivals in 2011 and 2012 (Q1) and
Border Check Points
Update by Cambodia

29.

Cambodia reported that international tourist arrivals in 2011 reached 2.881 million
(+14.9%), generating tourism receipts of US$1.912 billion, with average length of stay of 6.5 days,
and hotel occupancy rate of 66.15%. For the first 4 months of 2012, international tourist arrivals
reached 1.272 million, and top 10 markets were Viet Nam, ROK, PRC, U.S.A., Japan, Thailand,
Lao PDR, France, U.K., and Russia. Modes of arrival are by air (50.3%) at Phnom Penh and Siem
Reap Internal Airports, land and water ways (49.7%).
6.2

Update by PRC

30.

Representative of Yunnan Province, PRC, reported that in 2011, overseas tourists arrivals
reached 3.95 million (20% growth year-on-year) - generating tourism revenues of about US$1.401
billion (growth rate of 22.79% year-on-year), while one-day tourists by border port entry reached
3.68 million (10.39% growth rate year-on-year).

31.

Representative of Guangxi Province, PRC, reported that international tourist arrivals in


2011 reached 3.0279 million (+21%) generating tourism exchange revenues of US$1.052 billion
(+30.32%). Top 10 markets included Viet Nam, Malaysia, ROK, U.S.A., France, Singapore,
Indonesia, Japan, U.K., and Germany. Domestic tourist arrivals including one-day trip reached
172.574 million (+22.62%) with domestic tourism revenues of RMB 120.946 billion
(+34.67%).Gross earnings from provincial tourism reached RMB127.781 billion (+34.09%). For
January-March 2012, domestic tourist arrivals (including one-day trip) reached 50 million (+16%)
with domestic tourism revenue of RMB38 billion (+26%), while international tourist arrivals
(overnight only) reached 0.62 million (+23.8%), with tourism exchange revenue of US$204 million
(+29.2%). Guangxi now has 25 checkpoints (18 first class and 7 second class), 10 sea or river
ports, 12 land ports, and 3 airports.
6.3

Update by Lao PDR

32.

Lao PDR reported that international tourist arrivals in 2011 reached 2.72 million (+15%),
generating revenues estimated at US$ 406.18 Million (+54%). Major markets were Asia and the
Pacific (90.49%), Europe (6.67%), the Americas (3.56%), and Africa and the Middle East (0.27%).
Top ten tourist generating countries were: Thailand, Viet Nam, PRC, U.S.A., France, Japan, U.K.,
ROK, Australia, and Germany. Average length of stay for international tourists was 7 days. Key
ports of entry were the Friendship Bridge II (35%), Friendship Bridge 1 (27%), Wattay Airport (7%),
and others (38%). There are 23 international check points, 36 local check points, and 46 traditional
check points. Average hotel occupancy rate was 57%. Lao PDR has 435 cultural attractions, 209
historical attractions, and 2 World Heritage sites.
6.4

Update by Myanmar

33.

Myanmar reported that international tourist arrivals in 2011 reached 816,369 (+3.14%) at
main gateways in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan, and borders. For the first four months of 2012,
there were 357,181 international tourist arrivals (+36.5%) by air, and 169,154 through border
checkpoints. Major source markets were Asia, Western Europe, North America, other Americas,
Eastern Europe, Oceania, Middle East, and Africa. Myanmar has border check points with PRC at
Muse, Lauk-Kai, Kwan-Long, Lwe-geil, and Lizer. Chinese tourist arrivals at these check points
totaled 58,935 in 2011. Myanmar has border check points with Thailand at Tachileik, Myawaddy,

Kawthaung, and Phayathonezu (Three Pagoda Pass). Tourist arrivals from Thailand at these
check points reached 366,258 in 2011.
6.5

Update by Thailand

34.

Thailand reported that in 2011, there were 19.09 million international tourist arrivals
(+19.84%), with tourism receipts of more than US$25.45 billion (+36.10%). For Q1 of 2012,
Thailand welcomed 7.34 million international visitors (+7%), however, a slowdown in the
expansion rate is expected in 2012 consequent to the severe flood situation from SeptemberDecember 2011 and continuing uncertainty of natural disasters, slowdown in the global economy SDUWLFXODUO\ LQVWDELOLW\ RI (8V HFRQRP\ 7KH ODUJHVW PDUNHW ZDV WKH (DVW $VLD UHJLRQ  
followed by Oceania (21.6%), South Asia (l6.5%), the Americas (12.8%), Europe (ll.4%), Africa
(6.7%), and Middle East (5.9%). Regarding tourist arrivals from GMS member countries, PRC was
the top market, followed by Lao PDR and Cambodia. International arrivals through the GMS
border checkpoints reached 15.93 million in 2010, and 19.23 million in 2011 (+20.67%) a
positive sign from the standpoint of GMS cooperation. International tourist arrival to Thailand has
EHHQ JURZLQJ EHFDXVH RI WKH FRXQWU\V VWURQJ PDUNHWLQg strategy as well increased connectivity
with neighbouring countries to various new and emerging tourist destinations. Thailand strongly
believes that the GMS Tourism Sector 2011-2015 Roadmap will promote sustainable tourism in
the region with increasing quantity and quality of visitors.
6.6

Update by Viet Nam

35.

Viet Nam reported that in 2011, there were 6 million international arrivals and 30 million
domestic tourists, generating US$6.2 billion of tourism revenues. There are 1.4 million direct and
indirect workers in the tourism industry and 284 tourism training institutions in the country.

36.

Copies of presentations and reports under this Agenda Item are in Appendix 6.

Agenda Item 7.
7.1

Other Matters
Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Golden Triangle Tourism Plans
to 2020

37.

Representative of the GMS Environmental Operations Center (EOC) briefed the meeting
on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Golden Triangle Tourism Plans to 2020.
The SEA predicted and assessed future impacts of planned developments in tourism and other
sectors with focus on developments planned for the part of the North-South Economic Corridor
along Route 3 between Jinghong and Chiang Rai, including feeder areas (encompassing Luang
Namtha, Bokeo, Oudomsay provinces in Lao PDR, Chiang Rai province in Thailand, and
Xishuangbanna prefecture in PR China). Based on SWOT analysis, the SEA arrived at the
following strategic recommendations:
x
x
x
x

Promote integrated planning in the Golden Quadrangle with physical planning


guidelines to: (i) protect cultural and natural assets, (ii) manage the use of water, and
(iii) rehabilitate degraded areas
Revaluate planned special economic zones to avoid negative impacts on communities
and tourism developments (i.e., numbers, locations, types)
Revaluate hydropower dam proposals with potential impacts on protected areas in
Bokeo and Luang Namtha
Ensure zoning for planned developments in Chiang Khong industrial zone to: (i) protect
heritage zones, and (ii) preserve Chiang Saen historic town

38.

Recommended prioritized activities for 2011-2013 include the following:

39.

Three types of projects proposed by GMS countries


Tourism vision, brand, action plan, and local planning
Mitigating negative impacts and promoting responsible tourism
Maximizing locally beneficial tourism
Working Group on Environment approval to implement selected activities in current
work plan
Development of agro-tourism market chains for local livelihoods (e.g., tapping
into markets for handicrafts and agriculture produce along Road 3, and for SEZ)
Strengthening protected area management (e.g., Luang Namtha protected area
safeguards and management)
Payment for ecosystem services model development for the tourism sector (ecotourism promotion, benefit sharing for local communities).

$FRS\RI(2&VUHSRUWLVLQAppendix 7.

Agenda Item 8:

Date and Venue of the Next TWG Meeting (TWG-30)

The Meeting agreed to hold the 30th TWG Meeting (TWG-30) in November 2012 in Ninh
Binh Province south of Hanoi, Viet Nam. Specific dates will be determined and communicated to
TWG later through MTCO.

40.

Agenda Item 9:

Consideration and adoption of the report

41.

The summary of proceedings will be prepared by the GMS Secretariat and MTCO. The first
draft will be circulated by MTCO to the NTOs for comments as soon as possible.
Closing Session

42.

The Chair, Co-Chair, and MTCO thanked all the participants for their active contribution
and support to the success of the meeting and related side events.
SUMMARY OF TWG-29 DECISIONS
ACTIONS:

AND

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR

FOLLOW-UP

1. MTCO to carefully summarize and monitor the agreements and decisions arrived at TWG
meetings, the required follow-up actions, and pending items and issues needing TWG
consideration at the next meeting;
2. MTCO will update the semi-annual TWG meeting reporting template for the member
countries, to include a slide on country-to-country assistance and requests for assistance;
3. MTCO will prepare the annual work plan for the TWG, incorporating both the annual MTCO
work program and budget, and other subregional tourism initiatives that directly involve
TWG members, such as country-to-country assistance and the activities of other
development partners, as appropriate;
4. The MTCO/TWG 2013 integrated work plan will be circulated for review by 1 October 2012
and considered at TWG-30 in November, 2012;

10

5. MTCO to circulate widely knowledge products, e.g. GMS maps and other materials, not
only to NTOs, but also to development partners and the general public;
6. MTCO to consolidate existing four websites into two websites, one institutional and one
consumer;
7. MTCO to strengthen working relationship with the ASEAN-Japan Center, JICA, ROK and
the Nordic Countries to promote GMS tourism initiatives;
8. MTCO to continue working to have promotional materials translated into local languages;
9. MTCO to assist Lao PDR and Viet Nam in organizing a knowledge sharing forum on the
Sustainable Tourism Development Project, tentatively scheduled for November, 2012;
10. MTCO to submit to TWG 1-2 page summary reports on ExecutLYH 'LUHFWRUV VSHDNLQJ
engagements and attendance in various events, indicating who were the key personalities
that attended the event, what was discussed that was significant to TWG, and the useful
follow up actions required.

11

LIST OF APPENDICES:
Appendix 1:

List of Participants

Appendix 2:

Opening Remarks

Appendix 3:

Agenda

Appendix 4:

MTCO Report on Sub-regional Joint Marketing Program

Appendix 5:

GMS Country Project Updates on Implementation of Refocused GMS Tourism


Sector Strategy Priority Programs

Appendix 6:

GMS Country Updates on Tourism Arrivals in 2011 and 2012 (Q1) and Border
Check Points

Appendix 7:

EOC Report on Strategic Environmental Assessment of the Golden Triangle


Tourism Plans to 2020

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