Press releases

ITC launches export promotion training for Myanmar tour operators

23 March 2015
ITC News
Training programme aims to increase Myanmar’s share of international tourism.

(Yangon/Geneva) – The International Trade Centre (ITC), the Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA) and Myanmar Tourism Marketing (MTM) today launched a three-day training event in export promotion for Myanmar tour operators.

Representatives of twenty five companies attended the first day of training, which marked the start of a two-year coaching programme aimed at boosting Myanmar’s tourism industry.

Opening the event ITC Executive Director Arancha González affirmed the positive role that tourism services can play in Myanmar noting that it was “important that the tour operators enhanced their knowledge and skills in the tourism sector" and that the "export promotion training will allow you to play a bigger part in the international tourism industry.”

The companies will learn how to better approach international markets and to comply with international standards and requirements. They will also learn how to ensure that their products meet the expectations and demand of customers. Special focus will be placed on raising awareness around sustainability, responsible travel and inclusiveness.

The export-promotion training is part of ITC’s inclusive tourism development project, which in Myanmar is geared towards developing the tourism industry in Kayah state. It is part of the Netherlands Trust Fund, which is funded by the Dutch government.

Companies participating in the training will receive regular coaching on topics such as internet marketing and human resource management. They will also benefit from a personal coaching programme that will support them in the development and implementation of a marketing plan for their companies.

With its natural beauty Kayah state has particularly strong potential to become a tourism hot-spot. Its proximity to the Thai border, means that it is also easily accessible.

“The tour operators will be encouraged to develop inclusive tourism tours and packages in Kayah State as part of a visitor’s trip to Myanmar, which usually covers the capital, Yangon, and beauty spots such as Inle Lake, Bagan, Mandalay and Mingun, as well as the famous Kyaiktiyo Pagoda,” Naut Kusters, ITC lead consultant for tourism export promotion, said.

As part of the project, local government and communities in Kayah state will receive support to develop new products and services to comply with the expectations of international tourists, which at the same time respects local traditions and the environment.

 

To see the full speech please click here.

About the International Trade Centre - ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. ITC assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development within the frameworks of the Aid-for-Trade agenda and the Millennium Development Goals.

Contact: Jarle Hetland, ITC, Media Officer
P: +41 22 730 0145
M: +41 759 829 180
E: hetland [at] intracen.org (hetland[at]intracen[dot]org)