TWG-36 Summary of Proceedings

36
th
MEETING
OF THE GMS
TOURISM WORKING
GROUP (TWG-36)
7 J ANUARY 2 0 1 6 , 0 9 0 0 - 1 500 H
NAN, TH AI LAND
SUMMARY OF
PROCEEDINGS
36 th MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)
1.
INTRODUCTION
The Thirty-Sixth Meeting of the GMS Tourism Working Group (TWG-36) was held on 7 January 2016 in Nan
Province, Thailand. The meeting was co-organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand and the
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), and attended by representatives of the National Tourism Organizations
(NTOs) of the six GMS countries (Cambodia, Peoples Republic of China [PRC], Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand,
and Viet Nam), MTCO, Thailand Research Fund, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). A copy of the List of
Participants is in Appendix 1.
36 t h MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)
AGENDA ITEM 1
WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS
2.
In her Welcome Remarks, Ms. Wanasiri Morakul,

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry
of Tourism and Sports (MoTS), Thailand, welcomed
participants to Nan Province, considered one of
Thailands twelve hidden gems. She mentioned that
the Thai Government is considering proposing Nan to
UNESCO as a world heritage site because of its ancient
town and historic linkage to Luang Prabang in Lao PDR.
She said that the Government of Thailand attaches
importance to connectivity with neighboring countries
and has identified several special economic zones to
encourage economic development along the economic
corridors. Last year tourism arrivals in Thailand reached
29.8 million. She thanked ADB for its continued support
for tourism development including the ongoing GMS
Tourism Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth Project 1 and
the planned GMS Tourism Infrastructure for Inclusive
Growth Project 2. Thailand looks forward to continued
cooperation in tourism with the other GMS countries,
development partners, private sector and civil society.
3.
In her Opening Remarks, Ms. Sandra Nicoll, Country

Director, ADB Lao PDR Resident Mission, noted
that the meeting marked an important milestone in GMS
Tourism cooperation as it would be the final meeting
under the framework of the first GMS Tourism Sector
Strategy that concluded in 2015, and the first time that
the working group would be discussing strategic priorities
for the next strategy to cover 2016-2025. Looking back
over the past 10 years, TWGs collective efforts to
promote the GMS as a world-class tourism destination
together with tourism industry partners has culminated

in a record high of over 53 million international tourist
arrivals to the subregion in 2015, generating over $60
billion in receipts and sustaining about 6 million jobs.
Concrete examples of TWGs innovative approach to
promote more inclusive and balanced tourism growth
in the subregion are embodied in the newly adopted
GMS Tourism Marketing Strategy and Action Plan, the
mekongtourism.org website, and the annual Mekong
Tourism Forum. Building on the successful 20th GMS
Ministerial Conference in September 2015, tourism is
expected to play a prominent role in supporting the
GMS Leaders emphasis on inclusive and sustainable
development and the achievement of the new Sustainable
Development Goals. ADB is pleased to be supporting
several tourism-related investment projects and technical
assistance that are prioritized in the GMS Regional
Investment Framework Implementation Plan.
4.
Mr. Jens Thraenhart, Executive Director, MTCO,

thanked the Thailand Ministry of Tourism and
Sports and the Department of Tourism for hosting the
meetings in Nan, and hoped that participants could find
time to explore the sights of this beautiful town. He said
that MTCO staff would provide meeting participants with
memory sticks containing all meeting documents, the
new GMS Tourism Marketing Strategy and Action Plan,
and other tourism-related knowledge products.
5.
Copies of the welcome and opening remarks are

in Appendix 2.
3
AGENDA ITEM 2
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
6.
The meeting adopted the provisional agenda, copy

in Appendix 3.
AGENDA ITEM 3
BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS
7.
Representative of the MoTS, Thailand, briefed participants

on business arrangements and the program.
AGENDA ITEM 4
F O L L O W - U P O F T H E 2 0 T H G R E AT E R M E K O N G
SUB-REGION MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE,
9 - 1 0 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 5 , N AY P Y I TA W, M YA N M A R
8.
M r. S t e v e n S c h i p a n i , S e n i o r P o r t f o l i o
Management Specialist, ADB Lao Resident
Mission, briefed the meeting on the outcomes of
the 20th GMS Ministerial Conference held on 9-10
September 2015 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar and their
implications on the Tourism sector. The theme of the
Conference was Taking Action for Inclusive and
Sustainable Development. The main conference
was preceded by a GMS Senior Officials Meeting
held on 9 Sept. GMS Ministers, Senior Officials
and their respective delegations, development
partners, representatives of the private sector and
civil society, and ADB staff attended. One of the six
deliverables presented to the Conference was the
GMS Tourism Marketing Strategy and Action Plan
2015-2020, for notation by the GMS Ministers.

The Tourism Marketing Strategy and Action Plan,
which was well received at the Conference, sets
out a concrete plan to cost-effectively promote
multi-country travel, increase market awareness,
and improve market linkages between the GMS
countries. Other deliverables for the Conference
included the new GMS Urban Development
Strategic Framework and Action Plan that feature
urban tourism development elements, and the
GMS Projects Database, an online platform that
enables countries, development partners, the
private sector, and other interested stakeholders
to access information about projects in the GMS
Program. See www.gmsprogram.org.
5
9.
Mr. Schipani mentioned another deliverable

presented to the GMS Ministers was the first
progress report on the GMS Regional Investment
Framework Implementation Plan (RIF-IP), which
covers all the priority sectors of the GMS Program,
including Tourism. The progress report for the Tourism
sector showed that one tourism investment project
(GMS Tourism Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth)
and one technical assistance project (Strengthening
the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office) were
ongoing and proceeding well. Technical assistance
project on Preparing the New GMS Tourism Sector
Strategy 2016-2026 will be included in the scope
of the project preparatory TA for the Second GMS
Tourism for Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth
Project. The RIF-IP progress report, however, lacked
information on the status of the investment project
Construction of the Sino-Vietnamese Detian-Ban
Gioc Waterfalls International Cooperation Zone. The

meeting requested updates from PRC and Viet Nam
for the next progress report, due in January 2016.
10.
Mr. Schipani presented excerpts from

the Joint Ministerial Declaration issued
at the conclusion of the Conference, wherein the
GMS Ministers welcomed the new GMS Tourism
Marketing Strategy and Action Plan, and also
recognized ongoing efforts by the GMS Tourism
Working Group towards strengthening the MTCO
and having it established as an inter-governmental
organization, and updating the GMS Tourism Sector
Strategy for 2016-2026 which they expect to be
completed in 2016.
11.
A copy of the presentation is in Appendix 4.
AGENDA ITEM 5
REPORT AND FOLLOW-UP OF THE 35TH GMS TOURISM

WORKING GROUP MEETING
12.
6
Viet Nam briefed the meeting on the outcomes of TWG-35 and MTF 2015 held in June 2015 in
Danang, Viet Nam. A copy of the presentation is in Appendix 5.
AGENDA ITEM 6
I M P L E M E N TAT I O N O F T H E G M S T O U R I S M S E C T O R
S T R AT E G Y 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 5
AGENDA ITEM 7
GMS TOURISM MARKETING
S T R AT E G Y 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 2 0
AGENDA ITEM 8
ACHIEVEMENT OF 2015 WORK PLAN
AND PROPOSED 2016 WORK PLAN
Note: Agenda Items 6-8 were combined and covered the following presentations and discussions.
8
COUNTRY
PRESENTATIONS
CAMBODIA
13.
Cambodia presented a country report on

updated Tourism Statistics. International
tourist arrivals have increased sharply over the
last 10 years and in 2015 reached 4.6 million.
Top tourist market is Viet Nam, followed by PRC,
ROK, and Lao PDR. There are 20 international
check points with Viet Nam (10), Thailand (8),
Lao PDR (1), with one seaport, and 3 airports.
Tourist arrivals are projected to increase to 7.5
million by 2020. Cambodia also reported on the
outcome of the recent Southern Corridor Meeting
attended by participants from Thailand, Viet
Nam and Cambodia. The meeting suggested the

establishment of new tour packages focusing on
cultural, historical and natural potential of the
Southern Tourism Corridor. Regarding the GMS
Tourism Statistics Harmonization program led by
Cambodia, the Ministry of Tourism is planning a
2-day workshop to discuss and agree on how to
improve GMS statistics harmonization, possibly
in March 2016. Representatives from all GMS
countries, experts from statistics divisions and
other relevant government organizations, PATA and
TAT will be invited.
9
OPEN DISCUSSION
14.
Regarding the Southern Corridor Meeting,

Viet Nam remarked that they are working on
a familiarization tour for media and tour operators,
linking Viet Nam, PRC and Cambodia, to be
conducted in March-April 2016 to coincide with
Annual Tourism Year of Viet Nam.
15.
Cambodia noted that Viet Nam is proposed

to host the next Southern Corridor Meeting.
In turn, Viet Nam confirmed their readiness to host

the Meeting and will inform the exact date and
venue later.
16.
Thailand expressed willingness to share

their experience on collection of tourism
statistics data with other GMS countries.
PRC
17.
PRC representative expressed regrets that

representatives from Guangxi and Yunnan
were unable to attend the meeting, and stated that
a detailed country report will be shared at the next
meeting.
18.
Mr. Schipani shared information about the

successful training program on tourism
management held at Guilin Tourism University in
2015. For the first time, all ASEAN countries sent
participants to the training. Another one-week
ASEAN + PRC training program will be conducted
during September/October 2016.
LAO PDR
19.
Lao PDR reported that for the first 9 months

of 2015, there were 3.4 million international
tourist arrivals, representing an increase of
13%, primarily from Asia Pacific market, most
notably Thailand. Viet Nam and PRC are also top
markets. Australian and Japanese markets both
decreased, while the European market saw an
overall slight increase, and the Americas saw an
overall slight decrease. Several activities were
undertaken in line with the strategic thrusts of
the GMS TSS, including tourism-related HRD
(support to the Lao National University under
the Sustainable Tourism Development Project
10
to improve curricula for tourism studies and

produce teaching materials in 17 subjects for
Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Hotel and
Tourism Management as well as support to the
Lao National Institute of Hospitality for shortand medium-term training in hospitality, hotel
and tourism management under the Passport
to Success program with support from the
Government of Luxembourg), improvement of
tourism infrastructure and facilities in the EWEC,
NSEC, and other selected destinations in Lao
PDR, and development of community-based
tourism and supply chain products.
MYANMAR
20.
Myanmar presented a report on TourismRelated Human Resource Development.

From 2011 to 2015, a total of 269 mid and senior
level officials attended capacity building programs
abroad, while 134 ministry staff underwent domestic
training. Capacity building programs included
English as a second language, B.A. Tourism Program
for tourism institutions, tourism and hospitality
vocational and cascade training, tour guide training,
hotel service training basic course, and hotel
service on-job training course. The ongoing HRD
project is supported by the Myanmar-Luxembourg
Development Cooperation, and will run for 5
years (starting in 2014), and covers government,
education, and industry sectors. There are also
several sustainable tourism development-related
projects supported by other partners including
Italy, Japan, Norway, and ADB (Economic
Empowerment of the Poor and Women in EastWest Economic Corridor).
21.
Myanmar also reported progress on

promoting The Middle Path, a priority
multicountry route in the new GMS Marketing
Strategy and Action Plan, and tremendous increase
in international tourist arrivals (170% growth in 2015).
The Program covers tourist product development
including cave tourism and caravan tours.
THAILAND
22.
Tourism Authority of Thailand, as the

lead coordinator to promote the Mekong
Discovery Trail, reported an ASEAN Friendship
Caravan will be organized to promote multi-country
tourism, scheduled for 7-16 January 2016. The
caravan will cover 3,400 km along selected routes
in Thailand, Lao PDR, Viet Nam, and Cambodia
(Bangkok-Buriram-Ubon Ratchathani-PakseAttapeu-Gia Lai-Dalat-Mui Ne-HCMC). About
40 Thai and international media and ASEAN tour
operators are expected to participate. Thailand
has also developed promotional materials for Two
Kingdoms, One Destination to promote Khmerinfluenced historical attractions in Thailand and
Cambodia.
23.
Thailand Research Fund reported on the

following research projects: (i) Guidelines
for Developing Baan Huak Boundary Post in

Preparation for Cross-Border Tourism linking
1 route by boat and 3 routes by car, and
suggested that some basic infrastructure and
information could be improved with the help of
MTCO and ADB; (ii) Development of Potential of
East Lanna for Experiential Tourism Hub in the
Mekong Region to investigate tourism resources
and activities; (iii) Development of experiential
tourism in Mekong Region which aims to provide
guidelines to develop experiential tourism
activities from cultural and natural perspective;
and (iv) Development of entrepreneurs in Eastern
Lanna in preparation for being the hub of
experiential tourism which will provide training
to entrepreneurs and create an international
community of tourism entrepreneurs in the areas
linking Thailand, Lao PDR, and Myanmar.
11
OPEN DISCUSSION
24.
Viet Nam congratulated and appreciated

Thailands initiative on ASEAN Friendship
Caravan, and committed to contribute to its
success.
25.
Lao PDR noted the similarity between the

Thai Research Foundation projects with
27.
their activity under the GMS Marketing Strategy

and suggested that these could be linked.
26.
Mr. Schipani suggested that research

results could be shared by the Thai
Research Fund with TWG and also uploaded
in the MTCO website, subject to their consent.
ACTION / DECISION POINT
MTCO will coordinate with the Thai Research Fund regarding uploading of the results
of their research projects/surveys in the MTCO website.
VIET NAM
28.
Viet Nam received 7.9 m international

arrivals (0.9%+) in 2015. Among GMS
countries, there were decreases from Cambodia,
PRC, and Lao PDR, but increase for Thailand.
Viet Nam hoped to see more arrivals from GMS
countries this year. Viet Nam reported that their
tourism law passed in 2005 will be revised this
year. A number of events are planned, details
will be put up in the website, including new
international exhibition/fair focusing on beach
and MICE tourism in Danang; international
12
conference combining tourism and sports in

Danang 22-24 Sept 2016 which is a ministerial
conference with UNWTO and inter national
Olympics committee secretariat. Invitations to
these events will be sent out to the other GMS
countries. Viet Nam gave an example of tour
packages being developed, covering Thailand,
Cambodia, and Viet Nam, and also shared
information about Mekong River Tours and EWEC
Tour packages featuring tourist attractions along
the corridor.
MTCO
29.
Mr. Thraenhart, MTCO, gave an update on

MTCOs activities. On MTCO operations,
he reported that the new Operations Manager and
Operations assistant are on board. The 2015 work
plan is in progress. On asset protection, all domain
names as well as social media accounts are centrally
managed and protected. The 2015 Mekong Tourism
Forum and two meetings of the Mekong Tourism
Advisory Group have been organized. Mekong
Tourism Awards concept is moving from an awards
program into a showcase program, looking to identify
experiential tourism products, and showcasing best
practices and case studies on responsible tourism.
Mekong tourism scorecard is ongoing, with 2015
data being collected.
30.
On Marketing and Branding, MTCO is lacking

resources to carry out brand review and hire
a marketing agency. The GMS Tourism Marketing
Strategy and Action Plan has been endorsed and
was presented at the 20th GMS MC, and also
uploaded to the www.mekongtourism.org website.
The website was successfully launched at MTF 2015
in Danang, with more functionality added, and looking
to increase industry engagement. The website has
seen a 40% improvement in Global Website ranking
by Alexa with 293% increase in visits. The website
recently awarded a Hospitality Sales and Marketing
Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Award for
2015. This will help build credibility to further engage
with industry. On website statistics, between July
and Dec 2015, there were 14,005 visitors, and MTCO
expects to see more traffic once the website is linked
with GMS country websites. Increasing traffic is also
seen in the social media platform. Newsletter has
seen 25% open rate. Email has high open rate from
the U.S., Thailand, and Japan. Library now contains
over 231 documents (ahead of the planned 180
documents).
MTCO requests the countries to submit documents
and articles for the website, add a link (in the form
of banners and badges) to MekongTourism.org,
and to get engaged on the @TourismMekong social

media accounts. Due to the fact that no advertising
budget is available to drive traffic, assistance of
the countries is essential to promote the website
organically and collaboratively. The event calendar
features consumer events, travel and trade events,
and tourism events. MTCO asks the countries to
submit their consumer and travel trade events in their
respective countries, as well as public holidays, to be
added to the events calendar. An interactive map has
been created to plot the thematic routes and is linked
to the website and multi-country journeys with storytelling format. Several media press releases featuring
Mekong tourism initiatives have been featured.
On thematic marketing, with food campaign as
possible topic, a strategy concept paper has
been drafted. The first Mekong Tourism Marketing
Workshop was held at MTF 2015 in cooperation
13
with UNWTO, PATA, GSTC, ATTA, and Thammasat

University, and a summary report was put together
highlighting results of the discussions with public and
private sector on food tourism, Community-based
tourism, river-based tourism, and adventure tourism.
Fam trips in the Southern Coastal Corridor have
been completed successfully. Mekong responsible
tourism database is at 50% completion, and the
project is being merged with the Mekong Tourism
Experiential Showcase, and the formerly planned
Mekong Innovative Tourism Awards.
GMS Triathlon was successfully held in Thailand. On
capacity training, MTCO contributed to the Tourism

Management Training at Guilin Tourism University. In
summary, most initiatives in 2015 work plan have been
accomplished. MTCO Executive Director participated
in several events, including tourism bloggers
exchanges, Asia Travel Bloggers Awards, and
UNWTO Conference on Buddhist Circuits in South
Asia. The MTCO Operations Manager participated
at the UNWTO Workshop on River-based Tourism
due to her past experience in river based tourism.
Lectures at various universities, such as Bangkok
University have led to the recruitment of interns at
no cost to MTCO.
OPEN DISCUSSION
31.
Mr. Schipani thanked MTCO, noting that performance has improved dramatically over the
past year, and suggested that progress reports could contain a better mix of qualitative and
quantitative targets. He noted that it would be useful to track how many businesses and individuals
are using the database for consideration in preparing the next work plan. He underscored the
importance of setting targets and then assessing realistic achievement of those targets. Emphasizing
that the work plan is covers the work of the entire TWG, he congratulated all GMS NTOs and their
partners on a successful 2015.
GMS TWG 2016 WORK PLAN
32.
Mr. Thraenhart presented planned and

potential key initiatives for 2016 including
MTF 2016, GMS Tourism Ministers Meeting,
website and social media content updates, monthly
e-Newsletter, Mekong Moments Campaign, blogger
fam trip, mobile app, Responsible Tourism database
and Mekong Experiential showcase, verified
contributor program, memberships (PATA, SKAL),
Food Tourism Strategy, white paper How to Work
with Bloggers, Mekong Tourism branding review,
collateral piece, Mekong video clip, MeTAG Meeting,
14
media program and database, travel agency program

and database, development partner collaboration,
mini-Chinese language website and social media,
travel trade show participation, and partnerships.
MTCO plans to work actively to have content
contributors engaged to further enhance the website.
33.
Mr. Thraenhart requested TWG to confirm the

items proposed in the 2016 work plan and
to send to MTCO any additional activities that they
propose to be included. It was agreed that MTCO
would circulate the updated TWG 2016 Work Plan

to TWG after the meeting.
34.
Lao PDR suggested that the activities in the

work plan be clearly identified as to which
ones are to be led by MTCO, which activities the
countries and MTCO would do together, and which
the countries would lead on their own. Mr. Schipani
suggested that the work plan could also capture the
proposed 2016 tourism training program in Guilin and
the preparation of the new GMS TSS.
35.
It was agreed that MTCO would circulate

the revised 2016 work plan to TWG by 15
January 2016.
36.
Copies of the documents under Agenda

Items 6-8 are attached as Appendix 5.
37.
ACTION / DECISION POINT
MTCO to circulate the revised 2016 work plan to TWG before 1 February 2016. Countries
will send their comments to MTCO by 15 February 2016.
15
AGENDA ITEM 9
38.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE GMS TOURISM

S E C T O R S T R AT E G Y 2 0 1 6 - 2 0 2 6
Mr. Steven Schipani, ADB, presented a

concept note and plan for developing the new
GMS Tourism Sector Strategy (TSS) for 2016-2026
(copy attached as Appendix 6). The new Strategy is
meant to succeed the current TSS covering the period
2005-2015 and to meet the changing structure of
tourism demand and supply and new international
commitments regarding Sustainable Development
Goals, the establishment of the ASEAN Economic
Community, and alignment with the ASEAN Tourism
Strategic Plan for 2016-2025. The new Strategy
will take into consideration the strong comparative
advantage of the GMS for multi-country travel and
for promoting multiple visits to the subregion. It will
also try to address some unfinished business under
the current TSS, including persistent imbalanced
growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and
negative social impacts of tourism. In this regard,
ADB expressed its readiness to provide technical
assistance estimated at $200,000 to support

international and national consultants to help the
TWG prepare the strategy. Meanwhile, countries are
requested to provide in-kind support for counterpart
staff inputs, data and reports, and some workshop
logistics and coordination.
39.
Mr. Schipani requested TWG-36 to give

guidance on the final TA design, prior
to appointments of country TA counterparts and
mobilization of consultants in February/March 2016,
to be followed by the holding of country consultative
workshops. A draft report is expected to be submitted
to the NTOs and ADB by June 2016, followed by
a subregional workshop concurrent with TWG-37
in Cambodia. The report is due to be finalized in
July/August 2016, for subsequent endorsement
by the GMS Ministers at the 21st GMS Ministerial
Conference planned in the last quarter of 2016.
OPEN DISCUSSION
40.
Viet Nam requested more time to review

and provide inputs to the concept note and
consultants TOR.
41.
Mr. Schipani inquired from Viet Nam about

the ASEANs approach on a new tourism
strategic plan. Viet Nam responded that there are
working groups and committees to oversee various
activities. The GMS on the other hand has done a lot
to boost tourism in the subregion but the countries
should continue to strengthen facilities, service
quality, and improve infrastructure. For the new
GMS strategy, the TWG should consider framing it
around a unique theme for the subregion, such as
the Mekong River.
42.
16
Thailand remarked on the need to do SWOT

analysis for each country. Mr. Schipani
agreed that this could be emphasized in the terms

of reference. TAT stressed that the GMS tourism
strategy should not duplicate ASEAN, and should
emphasize core activities for the GMS and what the
countries do best in the subregion. Lao PDR asked
for clarification about the consultative workshops and
whether this is to be done collectively or separately,
and emphasized the need to consider the lessons
learned from the implementation of the previous
TSS where each country took the lead for a specific
area an arrangement that sometimes worked well,
and sometimes did not. Lao PDR recalled that there
was a subregional workshop in developing the first
TSS, then the consultant organized separate national
workshops, and the final workshop was again a
subregional workshop.
43.
Mr. Schipani replied that there would be

national and regional consultations under the
TA and the workshops could follow past practice. He
noted that the first TSS might have been overambitious
and agreed the new strategy should focus on unique
aspects of the GMS, not only for marketing but also
for developing products. He agreed that it may not
be practical to designate lead countries for projects
as was done under the past strategy.
44.
Mr. Schipani agreed with PRCs suggestion

for the countries to clearly identify their
investment and environment priority areas, considering
potential economic and social returns. Myanmar
agreed on need to identify unique features of each
country that could be used for marketing and
promotion activities, and to think about accessible
tourism by giving opportunity for village communities
to participate in tourism activities. Cambodia would
like to see a balance between tourism infrastructure
development and tourism product development, and
to diversify tourism development to the coastal areas.
Mr. Schipani noted that there is a lot of country-tocountry assistance that could be incorporated in the
strategy on top of private sector and development
partner financing. Viet Nam suggested a review of the
implementation of the first TSS is included in the TOR,
to ensure alignment with current country strategies,
and focus on subregional activities for the next TSS.
Mr. Schipani agreed that the subregional strategy
would need to be aligned with the country strategies
and other regional cooperation initiatives in tourism.
17
45.
ACTION/DECISION POINT
Mr. Schipani will circulate the revised concept note/TOR for country/MTCO comments by
15 January, for comment by 29 January 2016. NTOs are requested to nominate focal staff
to work/coordinate with ADB in developing the new TSS.
AGENDA ITEM 10
GMS TOURISM PERFORMANCE 2015
46.
Ms. Pawinee Sunalai, ADB Consultant, gave a

brief presentation on the overall performance
of GMS Tourism for 2015 (copy attached as Appendix
7), and requested countries submit any missing data
as soon as possible. Based on information available
from January to September 2015, international visitor
arrivals in the 5 GMS countries and Guangxi and
Yunnan, PRC reached almost 48 million, with AsiaPacific as the top source market by region, followed
by Europe and the Americas. Tourism investment was
at $34.5 billion, direct contribution to employment (full
47.
time equivalent) at 6 million, and direct contribution

to GDP at about 8% From 2004-2015 the number
of arrivals tripled in some countries and has reached
the target set out in the TSS 2005 2015, the same
holds for total receipts which amounted to over $52.4
billion. On mode of arrival, 61% arrived by air and
37% arrived by land, the latter increasing every year.
70% of tourist arrivals came from Asia-Pacific. Ms.
Pawinee requested the NTOs to provide updates up
to31 December 2015, so that the infographics could
be revised and put up in the website.
TWG members are requested to provide updates on tourism performance up to 31

December 2015 to MTCO by end of January 2016 to enable MTCO to revise the infographics
and put it up in the website.
18
AGENDA ITEM 11
D AT E A N D V E N U E O F T H E N E X T G M S T W G
MEETING AND MTF 2016
48.
As host of the next TWG Meeting (TWG-37),

Cambodia proposed to host TWG-37 and
MTF 2016 during 6-8 July 2016 in Sihanoukville.
Cambodia will provide land transportation to delegates
travelling from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville. Another
option could be for delegates to fly to Siem Reap then
proceed to Sihanoukville.
MTCO is looking to organize a similar event as was

done in Viet Nam last year and would welcome
suggestions from TWG.
50.
Viet Nam thanked MTCO and hoped

that MTCO could do even better than
last year. Viet Nam suggested for Cambodia
to consider organizing a workshop during MTF
Mr. Thraenhart presented a draft agenda of with development partners in attendance, to
MTF 2016 (copy attached as Appendix 8) and present the draft GMS TSS 20162025 to get
requested inputs/suggestions from TWG members. their comments/inputs.
49.
51.
MTCO to work closely with host Cambodia in preparing the agenda/program of TWG-37, MTF
2016, and other associated events including the suggested development partners workshop.
19
AGENDA ITEM 12
P R E PA R AT I O N F O R T H E G M S T O U R I S M
MINISTERIAL MEETING
52.
In planning the contemplated GMS Tourism

Ministers Meeting, Mr. Schipani suggested
that TWG could first determine the purpose for
convening the meeting, what to include in the
program/agenda, and what are the substantive issues
that TWG would like the Tourism Ministers to discuss.
53.
Cambodia indicated that they would be

pleased to host the Tourism Ministers if all
the countries agree to have it back-to-back with
TWG-37 in July 2016.
54.
Viet Nam and other countries noted they

would need to consult higher authorities
about the planned Tourism Ministers Meeting.
56.
55.
The Meeting recognized the uncertainty that

the MTCO Agreement would be ready to be
signed by the Ministers in July, given past experience
with similar agreements in ASEAN, and the need for
extensive internal consultations on the Agreements
provisions which would involve other line ministries
such as the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and
Finance. With regard to the new TSS,
Mr. Schipani indicated that while the draft report
of the Second TSS might be ready by July, there is
uncertainty that the new Strategy would be ready to be
presented to the Tourism Ministers for endorsement.
At most perhaps, the Ministers could agree in July on
the strategic thrusts and directions of the new TSS.
The contemplated GMS Tourism Ministers Meeting was not confirmed, given the
uncertainty about the completion by the countries of the internal consultation and
clearance procedures to sign for the Draft Agreement on the Establishment of the MTCO, as well
as the need for sufficient time to prepare the final draft of the new GMS Tourism Sector Strategy.
AGENDA ITEM 13
O T H E R M AT T E R S
57.
58.
There was no other matter discussed.
OPEN DISCUSSION
Chairperson expressed her thanks and appreciation to the participants for their active contribution
to the success of the meeting.
20
36
th
MEETING
OF THE GMS
TOURISM WORKING
GROUP (TWG-36)
7 J ANUARY 2 0 1 6 , 0 9 0 0 - 1 500 H
NAN, TH AI LAND
SUMMARY OF
PROCEEDINGS
APPENDIX 1
L I S T O F PA R T I C I PA N T S
No. Country
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia
PRC
PRC
Lao PDR
Lao PDR
Lao PDR
Lao PDR
Myanmar
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
Lao PDR
Cambodia
Lao PDR
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
Thailand
Thailand
ORG Title
First Name
Last Name
H.E. Mr
MoT
Mr
MoT
Mr
MoT
Mr
MoT
Mr
CNTA
Ms
CNTA
Mr
MoICT
Mr
MoICT
Ms
MoICT
Ms
MoICT
Ms
MoHT
Ms
MoTS
Mrs
MoTS
Ms
DoT
Ms
DoT
Dr
TAT
Ms
TRF
Ms
MoTS
Mrs
MoTS
Ms
MoTS
Mr
MoTS
Mr
MoTS
Ms
DoT
Ms
DoT
Ms
DoT
Ms
DoT
Mr
DoT
Ms
DoT
Ms
DoT
Ms
DoT
Ms
DoT
Ms
DoT
Ms
DoT
Ms
TAT
Mr
TAT
Ms
TRF
Mr
TRG
Dr
DASTA
Mr
DASTA
Ms
MoFA
Mr
NESDB
Mr
DoT
Mr
DoT
Mr
VNAT
Mr
VNAT
GMS TIIG
Mr
VNAT
Ms
VNAT
Ms
GMS TIIG
Mr
GMS TIIG
Ms
GMS TIIG
Mr
GMS TIIG
Ms
ADB
Mr
ADB
Mr
ADB
Ms
ADB
Mrs
ADB
Ms
ADB
Ms
MTCO
Mr
MTCO
Ms
Tith
Sok
Yin
Men
Zhang
He
Sounh
Thaviphet
Chanthanongzin
Phuangvanh
Ei Ei
Wanasiri
Mingkwan
Ubolwan
Worateera
Walailak
Supawadee
Chalothorn
Urairatana
Sukunlaya
Pongsakorn
Chanin
Sirinart
Tanyada
Lekanang
Wanunya
Pipat
Pichpisuth
Benjaporn
Chontirot
Jarunya
Pornpattra
Pojarin
Sriporn
Surasak
Prakobsiri
Thanawut
Chuwit
Thumanoon
Paweena
Vudthidech
Kanok
Wasin
Tran Phu
Troung Sy
Tran Van
Le Thi Minh
Tran Thi Mai
Tran Huy
Nguyen Minh
Ngo Van
Tran Thi
Steven
Nida
Nicoll
Flordeliza
Pawinee
Thanh Giang
Jens
Duanratchada
Chantah
Sokun
Nat
Phearum
Shu Min
Yan
Manivong
Oula
Razmountry
Houngthachack
Khin
Morakul
Chittapong
Sucharitakul
Suvarnsorn
Noypayak
Photiyarach
Sumanasrethakul
Naothaworn
Singhaphan
Rudravanija
Sriwisut
Theenanon
Limsiri
Silla
Samati
Chotchoang
Timwat
Kongwatmai
Sukhom
Muangtham
Peerasantitham
Julakaseree
Bhekanandana
Suepaiboon
Pakdeepinit
Limpanitgul
Mitrchob
Parktoop
Subhimaros
Chamnikij
Suwannasit
Banjerdtanakul
Coung
Vinh
Ngoi
Que
Huong
Thong
Phuong
Tung
Mo
Schipani
Ouk
Sandra
Melendez
Sunalai
Nguyen
Thraenhart
Chimphalee
Position
Secretary of State
Director, Tourism Development Department
Deputy Director, Tourism Development Department
Chief, Regional ASEAN Tourism Department
Deputy Director-General
Principal Staff Member
Director General
Deputy Director General
Technical
Technical
Assistant Director
Deputy Permanent Secretary
International Affairs Officer, Acting Diretor of International Affairs Division
Director of Tourism Professional Standard Development Division
Director of Thailand Film Office
Executive Director ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific Region Department
Assistant Professor
Secretary of Deputy Permanet Secretary
Director of Bureau of Prevention and Assistance in Tourist Fraud
International Affairs Officer
International Affairs Officer
Policy and Plan Analyst
Tourism Development Officer Professional Level
Tourism Development Officer Professional Level
Tourism Development Officer Practitioner Level
Foreign Relation Officer - Practitioner Level
Tourism Development Officer
Government Officer
Government Officer
Assistant Executive Director ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific Region
Marketing Officer
Assistant Dr.
Lecturer
Deputy Director General
Deputy Managing Director Office of Designated Area 5 (Loei)
Third Secretary
Interpereter
Coordinator
Deputy Director General, International Cooperation Department
Deputy Director, Institute for Tourism Development Research
National Project Director
Official, Tourism Management Department
Official, Tourism Management Department
Head of Technical and Procurement Unit
Chief Accountant
Officer
Officer
Senior Portfolio Management Specialist
Senior Project Officer
Country Director
Consultant, GMS Unit
ADB Consultant
Executive Director
Operations Manager
Attend
HOD
Delegate
Delegate
Delegate
HOD
Delegate
HOD
Delegate
Delegate
Delegate
HOD
HOD
Delegate
Delegate
Delegate
Delegate
Delegate
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Interpreter
Coordinator
HOD
Delegate
Delegate
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Delegate
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Participant
Delegate
Participant
23
APPENDIX 2
OPENING REMARKS
B Y M S . WA N A S I R I M O R A K U L
D E P U T Y P E R M A N E N T S E C R E TA RY O F M I N I S T RY O F T O U R I S M A N D S P O R T S
AT T H E 3 6 T H M E E T I N G O F G M S T O U R I S M W O R K I N G G R O U P
A N D O T H E R R E L AT E D M E E T I N G S
7 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 5 , AT 9 . 0 0 H R S .
AT N A N T R U N G J A I B O U T I Q U E H O T E L , N A N P R O V I N C E
OPENING REMARKS
BY MS. WANASIRI MORAKUL
D E P U T Y P E R M A N E N T S E C R E TA R Y O F M I N I S T R Y O F T O U R I S M A N D S P O R T S
AT T H E 3 6 T H M E E T I N G O F G M S T O U R I S M W O R K I N G G R O U P
A N D O T H E R R E L AT E D M E E T I N G S
7 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 5 , AT 9 . 0 0 H R S .
AT N A N T R U N G J A I B O U T I Q U E H O T E L , N A N P R O V I N C E
am delighted to be here / to join the 36th Meeting

/ of GMS TWG and related meetings today. / On
behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, / may I
express the warmest welcome / to all GMS countries
to Nan province, / one of the Twelve cities hidden
gems, / the cities that should not be missed.
It is a great pleasure / to inform you that / Thai
Government / is considering proposing Nan province
to UNESCO / as a world heritage site, / because of
its ancient town and road linkage to Luang Prabang,
/ as twin cities to promote tourism in / the Greater
Mekong Sub-region. / Nan is one of those popular
tourism destinations.
In order to strengthen economic growth / among GMS
countries, / The Government of Thailand / has attached
importance / to connectivity with our neighboring
countries. / Recently, / the Council of Ministers / has
identified Special Economic Zones / to encourage
joint development with them, / for example : / Tak in
Thailand and Myawaddy in Myanmar, / Mukdahan
in Thailand and Sawannaket in Lao PDR, / Sakaew
in Thailand and Banteaymeanchey in Cambodia. /
Along the economic corridors in the sub-region, /
people of the countries with connecting borders / have
mobilized freely. / We welcome the numbers of tourists
/ along the borders, / from Laos PDR and Cambodia
/ comparing this year to last year, / which increase
11% and 17% respectively. / Chinese tourists / scored
our top international tourist arrival; / from January to
November 2015; / with a record of 7.3 million, / Thank
you China. / We are looking for more tourists / from
Myanmar and Vietnam / for the year 2016.
GMS Tourism Working Group Members,

MTCO Executive Director,
ADB Representatives,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On the other hand, / we have learned that / Thai
people are fond of traveling to Myanmar, / Lao PDR,
/ Cambodia, / Viet Nam and south of China too. /
Travel agencies have also increased a lot in 2015 /
for tour operations in neighboring countries.
Thailand is proud to inform the meeting that / the
number of international tourist arrivals in 2015 / has
reached 29.8 million. / They are most medium haul
/ as forecasted. / We believe that / the regional and
sub-regional cooperation, / like ASEAN and GMS, /
with the aims to link tourism routes, / deregulate, /
do joint marketing, / and empower tourism human
resources, / is the right and efficient mechanism.
Thanks ADB / for its continuous supports and
recommendations / for tourism development in the subregion. / ADB recently approved 108 million dollars / for
the GMS Tourism Infrastructure / for Inclusive Growth
Project / to be implemented in Cambodia, / Lao PDR
and Viet Nam / from 2015 to 2019 / and has indicatively
programmed / 130 million dollars / for a second phase
of the project, / scheduled for approval in 2018. / Since
ADB stands ready / to support preparation / of the
Second GMS Tourism Sector Strategy / 2016-2026, /
Thailand looks forward to see continued cooperation
/ with all GMS members, / development partners, /
private sector, / and civil society on this initiative.
I am confident that / this 2-day meeting in Nan province
of Thailand / will be productive. / I once again / welcome
you to Thailand / and hope you enjoy the scenic Nan.
Thank you for your attention
25
APPENDIX 3
3 6 TH M E E T I N G O F T H E G M S T O U R I S M W O R K I N G G R O U P
7 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 6 , 0 9 : 0 0 1 5 : 0 0 H R S .
NAN, THAILAND
7 JANUARY 2016, 09:00 15:00 HRS.
NAN, THAILAND
PROVISIONAL AGENDA
Agenda Item 1: Welcome and Opening Remarks

Remarks by Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand

Remarks by Asian Development Bank

Remarks by Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office
(09:00-09:20)
Agenda Item 2: Adoption of the Agenda
(09:20-09:25)
Agenda Item 3: Business Arrangements
(09:25-09:30)
Agenda Item 4: Follow up of the 20th Greater Mekong Sub-region Ministerial Meeting
(09:30-09:45)

9-10 September 2015, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar

ADB will brief the meeting on the outcomes of the 20th GMS Ministerial Meeting.
Agenda Item 5: Report and follow-Up of the 35th GMS Tourism Working Group Meeting

Viet Nam will brief the meeting on the outcomes of the 35th GMS

Tourism Working Group Meeting and the MTF 2015 held in June

Danang, Viet Nam.
(09:45-10:00)
---- Coffee Break (10:00-10:30) ---Agenda Item 6: Implementation of the GMS Tourism Sector Strategy 2011-2015
(10:30-11:00)

The meeting will discuss progress on activities during January October 2015

and provide country project updates on the implementation of

the refocused GMS Tourism Sector Strategy Priority Programs.

6. 1 Sub-regional Marketing and Product Development

MTCO Executive Director will inform the meeting on the progress of projects

and activities implemented in 2015.

6. 2 Tourism-related Human Resource Development

The member countries may wish to present GMS project updates from each

country as related to tourism-related human resource development program
.

6. 3 Pro-poor Sustainable Tourism Development

The member countries may wish to present GMS country project updates as

related to pro-poor, sustainable tourism development program.

6. 4 Overall Achievement of the GMS TSS 2011-2015 Implementation

MTCO Executive Director will present the overall achievement of the GMS TSS

implemented by member countries as well as by MTCO during 2011-2015
27
7 JANUARY 2016, 09:00 15:00 HRS.
NAN, THAILAND
PROVISIONAL AGENDA
Agenda Item 7: GMS Tourism Marketing Strategy 2015-2020

- MTCO Executive Director will brief the meeting on the overall

Tourism Marketing Strategy 2015 2020.

- The key points of discussions will be on agreements of regional

route development during the 35th GMS TWG meeting.

- Lead countries may wish to present a progress report on regional

route development as agreed.
(11:00-11:30)
Agenda Item 8: Achievement of 2015 Work Plan and Proposed 2016 Work Plan

MTCO Executive Director will brief the meeting on the achievement

of the 2015 work plan and present the proposed 2016 work plan.
(11:30-12:00)
---- Lunch Break (12:00 13:30) ---Agenda Item 9: Development of the GMS Tourism Sector Strategy 2016-2026

ADB may wish to present a concept note and plan for developing

the GMS TSS 2016-2026.
(13:30-14:00)
Agenda Item 10: GMS Tourism Performance 2015

MTCO will provide a brief presentation on the overall GMS

Tourism Performance 2015.
(14:00-14:15)
Agenda Item 11: Date and Venue of the next the GMS TWG Meeting and MTF 2016
Cambodia will brief the meeting on the date and venue of
the next GMS TWG meeting as well as the preparation for the MTF 2016.
(14:15-14:30)
Agenda Item 12: Preparation of the GMS Tourism Ministerial Meeting

The meeting may wish to discuss the preparation of the GMS

Tourism Ministerial Meeting in 2016.

Agenda Item 13: Other Matters
(14:30-14:45)
---- Coffee Break (15:00 -15:30) ----
28
(14:45-15:00)
APPENDIX 4
2 0 TH G M S M I N I S T E R I A L C O N F E R E N C E
HIGHLIGHTS FOR TWG 36
Slide 1
Slide 2
30
Slide 3
Slide 4
31
Slide 5
Slide 6
32
Slide 7
Slide 8
33
Slide 9
Slide 10
34
Slide 11
Slide 12
35
Slide 13
Slide 14
36
Slide 15
Slide 16
37
Slide 17
Slide 18
38
Slide 19
Slide 20
39
Slide 21
Slide 22
40
Slide 23
Slide 24
41
Slide 25
Slide 26
42
APPENDIX 5
VIET NAM-OUTCOMES OF THE
35TH GMS TWG AND THE MTF 2015

Slide 1
Slide 2
44
Slide 3
Slide 4
45

Slide 5
Slide 6
46
Slide 7
Slide 8
47

Slide 9
Slide 10
48
Slide 11
Slide 12
49

Slide 13
Slide 14
50
Slide 15
Slide 16
51
APPENDIX 6
AGENDA ITEMS 6 - 8
- CAMBODIA -
GMS TWG 2016 WORK PLAN AGENDA ITEMS 6 - 8
CAMBODIA
Slide 1
Slide 2
53
CAMBODIA
Slide 3
Slide 4
54
Slide 5
Slide 6
55
CAMBODIA
Slide 7
Slide 8
56
Slide 9
57
APPENDIX 6
AGENDA ITEMS 6 - 8
- LAOS -

AGENDA ITEMS 6 - 8
LAOS
59
APPENDIX 6
AGENDA ITEMS 6 - 8
- M YA N M A R -
PART 1
MYANMAR PART 1
Slide 1
Slide 2
61
MYANMAR PART 1
Slide 3
Slide 4
62
Slide 5
Slide 6
63
MYANMAR PART 1
Slide 7
Slide 8
64
Slide 9
Slide 10
65
MYANMAR PART 1
Slide 11
Slide 12
66
Slide 13
Slide 14
67
MYANMAR PART 1
Slide 15
Slide 16
68
APPENDIX 6
AGENDA ITEMS 6 - 8
- M YA N M A R -
PART 2
MYANMAR PART 2
Slide 1
Slide 2
70
Slide 3
Slide 4
71
MYANMAR PART 2
Slide 5
Slide 6
72
Slide 7
Slide 8
73
MYANMAR PART 2
Slide 9
Slide 10
74
Slide 11
Slide 12
75
MYANMAR PART 2
Slide 13
76
APPENDIX 6
AGENDA ITEMS 6 - 8
- THAILAND -
PART 1
THAILAND PART 1
Slide 1
Slide 2
78
Slide 3
Slide 4
79
THAILAND PART 1
Slide 5
Slide 6
80
Slide 7
81
APPENDIX 6
AGENDA ITEMS 6 - 8
- THAILAND -
PART 2
THAILAND PART 2
Slide 1
83
APPENDIX 6
AGENDA ITEMS 6 - 8
- THAILAND -
PART 3
THAILAND PART 3
Slide 1
Slide 2
85
THAILAND PART 3
Slide 3
Slide 4
86
APPENDIX 6
AGENDA ITEMS 6 - 8
- VIET NAM -
PART 1
VIET NAM PART 1
Slide 1
88
APPENDIX 6
AGENDA ITEMS 6 - 8
- VIET NAM -
PART 2
89
VIET NAM PART 2
Slide 1
Slide 2
90
Slide 3
Slide 4
91
VIET NAM PART 2
Slide 5
Slide 6
92
APPENDIX 6
AGENDA ITEMS 6 - 8
- VIET NAM -
PART 3
VIET NAM PART 3
Slide 1
Slide 2
94
Slide 3
Slide 4
95
VIET NAM PART 3
Slide 5
Slide 6
96
Slide 7
Slide 8
97
VIET NAM PART 3
Slide 9
Slide 10
98
Slide 11
Slide 12
99
VIET NAM PART 3
Slide 13
Slide 14
100
Slide 15
Slide 16
101
VIET NAM PART 3
Slide 17
Slide 18
102
Slide 19
Slide 20
103
VIET NAM PART 3
Slide 21
Slide 22
104
Slide 23
Slide 24
105
VIET NAM PART 3
Slide 25
Slide 26
106
Slide 27
Slide 28
107
VIET NAM PART 3
Slide 29
Slide 30
108
Slide 31
Slide 32
109
VIET NAM PART 3
Slide 33
Slide 34
110
Slide 35
Slide 36
111
VIET NAM PART 3
Slide 37
Slide 38
112
Slide 39
Slide 40
113
VIET NAM PART 3
Slide 41
Slide 42
114
Slide 43
115
APPENDIX 7
C O M B I N E D P R E PA R I N G
THE NEW GMS TSS 2016 - 2025
Slide 1
Slide 2
117
Slide 3
Slide 4
118
Slide 5
Slide 6
119
Slide 7
Slide 8
120
Slide 9
Slide 10
121
Slide 11
Slide 12
122
Slide 13
Slide 14
123
Slide 15
124
APPENDIX 8
PART 1
TOURISM SCORECARD 2015
125
PART 1
Slide 1
Slide 2
126
Slide 3
Slide 4
127
PART 1
Slide 5
Slide 6
128
Slide 7
Slide 8
129
PART 1
Slide 9
Slide 10
130
Slide 11
Slide 12
131
PART 1
Slide 13
Slide 14
132
APPENDIX 8
PART 2
S C O R E C A R D TA B L E T O U R I S M P E R F O R M A N C E
S C O R E C A R D TA B L E T O U R I S M P E R F O R M A N C E
PART 2
Scorecard | Key Indicators for GMS Tourism Performance 2015

Key Indicators | Year 2015
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
International Visitor Arrivals

Number of international visitor arrivals
Average length of stay (days)
Source markets by region
3.1 Asia & Pacific
3.2 Europe
3.3 Americas
3.4 Oceania
3.5 Africa
3.6 Middle East
Mode of arrival
% of Tourist Arrivals by Air
% of Tourist Arrivals by Land
% of Tourist Arrivals by Sea
Scheduled International Inbound Flights
Inbound Air Seat Capacity
Number of Countries able to obtain tourist visa
on arrival
10 Number of International Border Checkpoints

(land, sea, air) offering tourist visa on arrival
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Slide 1
134
Accommodations and Tour Services

Number of Hotels
Number of Hotels Rooms
Average Occupancy Rate in Hotels (%)
Number of Tour Operators
Number of Registered Tour Guides
Economics
Tourism Receipts (US$ Million)
Average Expenditure (USD per person per day)
Tourism Investment (US$ Billion)
Direct Contribution to Employment (FTE | Fulltime equivalent)
Direct Contribution to GDP (%)
Sources: GMS Member Countries, ADB, PATA, WTTC

Remarks: Data is as of September 2015.
Cambodia
Lao PDR
Myanmar
Thailand
Vietnam
Jan-Sept
3,346,870
Jan-Sept
3,434,946
Jan-Nov
4,230,497
9.0
Jan-Sept
22,135,871
Jan-Nov
7,071,351
2,494,075
502,574
224,120
109,555
6,253
10,293
3,246,277
157,085
62,228
832,220
197,659
81,613
30,465
3,305
5,039
16,021,522
3,940,784
868,824
681,978
113,009
509,754
4,951,494
1,208,365
581,234
30,610
25.79
73.66
0.55
16,320
2,753,016
50
84.44
14.96
0.60
165,374
36,573,658
80.52
18.85
0.63
57,609
11,465,043
53.60
43.40
3.00
28,596
4,486,588
All countries,
except 10
countries that are
required to obtain
VISA in advance.
7,476
10,307
1,269,631
All countries,
except 30
countries that are
required to obtain
VISA in advance.
19 (61 countries
are not required to
obtain VISA.)
3 international
4 international
3 international airports
10 international
airports & 15
airports & 13
airports & 32 border
border checkpoints border checkpoints
checkpoints
24,155
China | Yunnan China | Guangxi

5,310,597
Jan-Sept
2,094,900
2.1
1,505,700
338,900
183,900
55,700
5,700
Total
47,625,032
26,557,213
5,842,793
1,777,799
798,753
153,645
514,793
63.59
35.82
0.59
278,206
56,547,936
All countries but

required to have
an approval letter
from Vietnam
Department of
Immigration.
3 international
airports
1,235
49,584
1,922
5,493
1,865.90
29,157.55
0.37
1,045,000.00
0.34
133,500.00
2.64
536,500.00
7.96
2,215,500.00
3.91
2,034,000.00
19.36
908.30
34.58
5,965,408.30
14.60
4.70
2.35
9.66
4.60
14.30
8.37
APPENDIX 9
TWG 36TH MTCO ACTIVITY PLAN 2016
135
Slide 1
Slide 2
136
Slide 3
Slide 4
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36
th
MEETING
OF THE GMS
TOURISM WORKING
GROUP (TWG-36)
7 J ANUARY 2 0 1 6 , 0 9 0 0 - 1 500 H
NAN, TH AI LAND
SUMMARY OF
PROCEEDINGS

TWG-36 Summary of Proceedings

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36

36 th MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

36 t h MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

In her Welcome Remarks, Ms. Wanasiri Morakul,

In her Opening Remarks, Ms. Sandra Nicoll, Country

together with tourism industry partners has culminated

Mr. Jens Thraenhart, Executive Director, MTCO,

Copies of the welcome and opening remarks are

36 th MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

The meeting adopted the provisional agenda, copy

Representative of the MoTS, Thailand, briefed participants

36 t h MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

2015-2020, for notation by the GMS Ministers.

36 th MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

Mr. Schipani mentioned another deliverable

Gioc Waterfalls International Cooperation Zone. The

Mr. Schipani presented excerpts from

A copy of the presentation is in Appendix 4.

REPORT AND FOLLOW-UP OF THE 35TH GMS TOURISM

36 t h MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

36 th MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

36 t h MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

Cambodia presented a country report on

Nam and Cambodia. The meeting suggested the

36 th MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

Regarding the Southern Corridor Meeting,

Cambodia noted that Viet Nam is proposed

In turn, Viet Nam confirmed their readiness to host

Thailand expressed willingness to share

PRC representative expressed regrets that

Mr. Schipani shared information about the

Lao PDR reported that for the first 9 months

to improve curricula for tourism studies and

36 t h MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

Myanmar presented a report on TourismRelated Human Resource Development.

Myanmar also reported progress on

Tourism Authority of Thailand, as the

Thailand Research Fund reported on the

for Developing Baan Huak Boundary Post in

36 th MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

Viet Nam congratulated and appreciated

Lao PDR noted the similarity between the

their activity under the GMS Marketing Strategy

Mr. Schipani suggested that research

ACTION / DECISION POINT

Viet Nam received 7.9 m international

conference combining tourism and sports in

36 t h MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

Mr. Thraenhart, MTCO, gave an update on

On Marketing and Branding, MTCO is lacking

and to get engaged on the @TourismMekong social

36 th MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

with UNWTO, PATA, GSTC, ATTA, and Thammasat

capacity training, MTCO contributed to the Tourism

GMS TWG 2016 WORK PLAN

Mr. Thraenhart presented planned and

media program and database, travel agency program

Mr. Thraenhart requested TWG to confirm the

36 t h MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-36)

would circulate the updated TWG 2016 Work Plan

Lao PDR suggested that the activities in the

It was agreed that MTCO would circulate

Copies of the documents under Agenda

ACTION / DECISION POINT