THIRTY MEETING OF THE GREATER MEKONG SUB-REGION TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-30)

Transcription

1 THIRTY MEETING OF THE GREATER MEKONG SUB-REGION TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-30) 6 December 2012, Ninh Binh, Vietnam Report by: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)

2 ABBREVIATIONS ACMECS - Ayeyawandy Chao Phraya Mekong Economic CoorperationStralegy ADB - Asian Development Bank ASEAN - Association of Southeast Asian Nations ASEANTA - Asean Tourism Association AusAID - Australian Agency for International Development CLMV - Combodia-Laos-Myanmar-Vietnam EU - European Union GMS - Greater Mekong Subregion GIZ - Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur InternationaleZusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH HRD - Human Resource Development ILO - International Labour Organization IOM - International Organization for Migration JICA - Japan International Coorperation Agency KOICA - Korea International Coorperation Agency LANITH - Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Lao PDR - Lao People s Democratic Republic MI - Mekong Instistte MOU - Memorandum of Understanding NZAID - New Zealand Aid Programme ODA - Overseas Development Assistance PATA - Pacific Asia Travel Association PPP - Public Private Partnership or Phnom Penh Plan PRC - People s Republic of China SNV - Netherlands Development Organization TA - Technical Assistance USAID - United States Agency for International Development i

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abbreviations i Introduction 1 Agenda Item 1: Opening Session 1 Agenda Item 2: Business arrangements 5 Agenda Item 3: Report and follow-up of the 29 th GMS TWG Meeting 5 Agenda Item 4: Implementation of the GMS Tourism Sector Strategy 5.1 Sub-regional Joint Marketing Program Open discussion/suggestions from TWG and development partners 12 Agenda Item 5: GMS Updates: Tourism Arrivals & Border Check Points Cambodia China PRC Lao PDR Myanmar Thailand Viet Nam 28 Agenda Item 6: GMS Country Project Updates Implementation of refocused GMS Tourism Sector Strategy Priority Open discussion Agenda Item 7: Statements by Development Partners 32 Agenda Item 8 :Other matters 33 Agenda Item 9 : Date and venue of the next meeting 33 Summary of TWG-29 Decisions and Recommendations for follow-up actions 33 Appendix 1 Participation List 54 ii

4 THIRTY MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP (TWG-30) Ninh Binh, Vietnam, 6 December 2012 Introduction SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS 1. The 30th Meeting of the GMS Tourism Working Group (TWG-30) was held in Ninh Binh, Viet Nam on 6 December 2012, and attended by the representatives of the National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) of five GMS countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam), the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), and development partners including ADB and PATA. A copy of the List of Participants is in Appendix 1. 1

5 Opening Session 2. In her opening remarks, H.E. Hoang Thi Diep, Vice Chairperson, Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, welcomed all participants to TWG-30. She noted that the meeting would review the progress of implementation of priority projects under the refocused GMS Tourism Sector and encouraged active participation of all delegates. She expressed her thanks to the GMS NTOs, MTCO, ADB, and other development partners for their support to GMS cooperation in the tourism sector. She wished them a pleasant stay in Ninh Binh and declared the meeting open. Welcome Address by MRS. Hoang Thi Diep Vice Chairperson At the 30th GMS Tourism Working Group On, 6 December 2012, Ninh Binh, Vietnam Country Director of Asian Development Bank, Mr. Craig Steffensen Director of Mekong Tourism Coordinator Office Distinguished Delegates from GMS Countries, First of all, on behalf of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, I would like to warmly welcome all distinguished delegates from GMS National Tourism Organizations, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and international organizations attending the 30 th Meeting of Working Group on the GMS Tourism. Distinguished delegates, Since the last meeting in Bangkok, I am pleased to see that we would be able to meet again here in Ninh Binh Province. Thanks for those efforts by member countries, a number of work has been done. Taking this opportunity, I would like to appreciate Asia Development Bank, Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office and the development partners for their valuable support. At this Meeting, we will focus our discussions on specific matters such as reviewing the progress of implementation of three priorities programmes: tourism-related human resource development, propoor sustainable tourism development, marketing and product development. We are also considering new initiatives and marketing activities which take lead by MTCO in At the same time, we will look into and share views on MTCO administration. As a chair of the meeting, I would like to encourage all distinguished delegates, with the high sense of responsibility, to actively enrich the meeting s delibrations by contributing more concrete and substantive ideas for the better and closer future GMS tourism cooperation. With this in mind, I would like to declare the 30 th Meeting of Working Group on the GMS Tourism Sector open and do wish our meeting productive and fruitful. Wishing you have a pleasant stay in Ninh Binh Province. Thank you very much! 3. Mr. Steven Schipani, Social Sector Specialist, Thailand Resident Mission of the Asian Development Bank, expressed his appreciation to VNAT of Viet Nam and MTCO for organizing the meeting. He recalled the recent celebration of the 20 th anniversary of the GMS Economic Cooperation Program in September 2012 and the many achievements of the Program in terms of accelerated growth, poverty reduction, and improved social indicators. In the tourism sector, tourist arrivals in the GMS reached a historic high of 38 million in 2011 and this had translated into more job opportunities 2

6 and increased tourism revenues that had benefited communities in the subregion. He mentioned the ongoing preparation of a comprehensive Regional Investment Framework to implement the new GMS Strategic Framework for , consisting of a pipeline of new generation multi-sector investments, technical assistance projects, as well as knowledge work and institutional strengthening and capacity building approaches in the GMS. Included in the initial pipeline of tourism projects was a new GMS Tourism Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth Project covering Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam. ADB looked forward to being able to generate additional resources to support the implementation of other priority activities under the refocused tourism strategy with the assistance of TWG and MTCO. 5. 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. Agenda Item 1: Adoption of the Agenda 6. The Meeting was chaired by Mr. Dinh Ngoc Duc, Acting Director, International Cooperation Department, VNAT, and co-chaired by Mr. Steven Schipani, ADB. 7. The Meeting adopted the provisional agenda, copy in Appendix 3, 3

7 THIRTY MEETING OF THE GMS TOURISM WORKING GROUP 08:30 10:30, 6 December 2012 Ninh Binh, Vietnam Opening Remarks PROVISIONAL AGENDA Remarks from Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam Remarks from Asian Development Bank Remarks from Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office Agenda item 1 Agenda item 2 Agenda item 3 Agenda item 4 Adoption of the Agenda Business arrangements Report and follow up of the 29th GMS Tourism Working Group Meeting, 12 December 2012 in Chiangrai, Thailand Implementation of the GMS Tourism Sector Strategy Sub regional Joint Marketing Program: progress report by MTCO Executive Director Open discussion and suggestions fromtwg board and development partners Agenda item 5 GMS Updates: Tourism Arrivals & Border Check Points Tourism Arrivals in 2012 (Q1 Q3) Update on border check points Open Discussion Agenda item 6 GMS Country Project Updates Implementation of refocused GMS Tourism Sector Strategy Priority Programs Open Discussion Agenda item 7 Agenda item 8 Agenda item 7 Statements by Development Partners Other matters Date and venue of the next meeting 4

8 Agenda Item 2: Business arrangements 8. The meeting secretariat informed the participants about the arrangements for the TWG-30 meeting, and the Closed Meeting of the MTCO Board later in the afternoon. The TWG-30 meeting was held in plenary. Secretariat support was provided by the MTCO and the GMS Secretariat based at ADB.. Agenda Item 3: Report and follow-up of the 29 th GMS Tourism Working Group Meeting, 29 November 2011, Bagan, Myanmar 9. Representative of Thailand briefed the participants on the highlights of TWG-29 held in Chiang Rai, Thailand on 12 June Other events held between June 2012 in conjunction with TWG-29 were the meeting of the Steering Committee of the Sustainable Tourism Development Project, the Mekong Tourism Forum 2012, Mekong Trading Post, an MTF 2012 Post Tour (of Chiang Rai City, Doi Tung Development Project, Doi Mae Salong and Tea Factory, and Golden Triangle and Hall of Opium), and a GMS Tour Guide Workshop. 5

9 10. Mr. Schipani congratulated Thailand for the successful holding of MTF 2012 which featured technical discussions on many sustainable tourism products in the GMS. He noted that the momentum of the MTF had been invigorated, and that it continued to generate much media attention year after year. 11. Mr. Florence echoed Mr. Schipani s sentiments and expressed appreciation for Thailand s support for the success of MTF He informed the meeting that MTCO, with the guidance of ADB, had prepared and provided each delegation a consolidated report on TWG The Chairman suggested that in addition to uploading the summary of proceedings of TWG meetings in the MTCO website, this be distributed by MTCO in CD format to all delegations. He requested MTCO to continue monitoring TWG decisions and recommendations and the progress of work to implement these 6

10 Agenda Item 4: Implementation of the GMS Tourism Sector Strategy 4.1 Sub-regional Joint Marketing Program: Progress Report by MTCO Executive Director 13. Mr. Florence reported on progress of work on decisions and recommendations of TWG-29 that required follow-up actions (details of which are in Appendix 4): Copies of the GMS tourism map were distributed at various events held in PRC, Myanmar, Singapore, and Viet Nam, as well as to tour operators operating in GMS countries. MTCO was consolidating the four existing websites into two websites (one institutional and one consumer) that were more user-friendly. Ms. Christine Jacquemin continued to manage the responsible tourism website, and have the materials translated into other languages. Work to promote the website and apply for awards was proceeding. To strengthen working relations with development partners, MTCO was in contact with the ASEAN Japan Centre, ASEAN Korea Centre, and UNWTO ST-EP Foundation. MTCO assisted in organizing the STDP Pro-poor Sustainable Tourism Conference held the previous day. MTCO Executive Director was working on a full report on his attendance in various events for distribution to TWG later. Meantime, he gave a snapshot of recent travel fairs, technical visits, and speaking engagements that he attended at various venues in GMS countries and Singapore. He also outlined possible events to be held in 2013 where MTCO participation was being contemplated. Several media clippings on MTF 2012 and other feature articles on Mekong tourism were collected. Regarding MTF 2013, PRC had agreed to host it in either Yunnan or Guangxi in May/June MTCO would inform TWG on further developments. MTCO was working on a licensed travel inventory and now gathering data on licensed organizations engaged in the travel value chain, information on marketing and promotion, policy, and capacity building, how many jobs had been created, and impacts on the local/national economy. He requested TWG s assistance in enriching the data, and looked forward to getting support from other partners in this undertaking to be able to gauge the impact of tourism on the economy. He also requested countries to update the directory of tourism focal points so that MTCO could come up with a revised version. 7

11 8

12 9

13 10

14 11

15 Open Discussion : 14. The Chairman suggested that MTCO should bring GMS tourism promotional materials to tourism-related events, He noted that there were not much promotional materials available and requested MTCO to produce more of these. 15. Viet Nam noted that countries were confronted with budget constraints in maintaining the ACMECS website, and that the informal ACMECS meeting held the previous day requested MTCO s help to promote ACMECS through the MTCO website. Again, because of budget constraints, GMS countries could not participate in all tourism events. Viet Nam further noted that the Russian market was emerging strongly, and requested MTCO to approach the Russian delegation and other delegations at tourism events to actively market the GMS and explore their interest in promoting the GMS as a tourism destination. 16. Cambodia echoed Viet Nam s suggestion to promote the ACMECS activities on the MTCO website, and suggested that ACMECS member countries assist in this regard. Cambodia further suggested that MTCO should work to have the GMS tourism website linked also with the ASEAN tourism website. In addition, MTCO should explore getting a booth for GMS or maybe join up with a private sector booth to boost marketing and promotion efforts, and link up with airlines, tour operators, etc., that could help in kind. 17. Thailand supported the earlier requests to promote ACMECS through GMS tourism website and thanked MTCO for further assistance and cooperation. Thailand would like to see more promotion efforts in line with the two country, three country, and four country one destination campaigns, and to include the 3 important rivers in ACMECS in the promotion efforts for GMS assets. Thailand also welcomed the idea to revive the marketing and promotion of CLMV countries and working hand-in-hand with ACMECS. In this regard, Thailand suggested that an informal meeting at the sideline of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2013 be organized to strengthen joint promotion efforts among GMS countries. Thailand would host the Thailand Travel Market in June 2013 in Bangkok, and would consult with MTCO regarding a possible presentation on GMS. 18. Cambodia and Viet Nam agreed with the suggestion to have an informal and short meeting, possibly a working lunch. Cambodia also inquired about the status of Visit Mekong Year, which could be one of the subjects for discussion 12

16 19. Myanmar was pleased to cooperate with member countries under GMS, ACMECS, and CLMV programs. With increasing tourist arrivals, Myanmar was focusing on improving infrastructure and services and would try their best to partner with the other countries. 20. Lao PDR welcomed the suggested informal meeting on the sideline of ATF 2013 and would consider its inclusion in the program. 21. Mr. Schipani congratulated MTCO on the many achievements in following up the agreements made at the last meeting. On Thailand s suggestion for informal discussion to boost subregional marketing, ADB would explore the mobilization of resources to strengthen the explore Mekong campaign. As TWG still lacked a formalized marketing strategy, the informal discussion could serve as a forum towards putting this new plan/initiative in place. He agreed with the idea of promoting the ACMECS activities on the GMS websites, but stressed the need to avoid confusing consumers about all of these acronyms, and diluting the core message of the explore Mekong campaign. He requested MTCO to carefully monitor the explore Mekong campaign, and how many people had visited the website by using google analytics. He proposed that MTCO share its corporate presentation about the GMS and also to have a basic template presentation so that TWG could speak with one voice. Furthermore, MTCO should submit a more robust reporting on the key points discussed with officials and private sector representatives that the Executive Director had met with. 22. The Chairman agreed with idea of linking MTCO website with other programs and suggested that the secretariats of ACMECS and CLMV could be requested to prepare relevant materials. He requested MTCO to organize with Lao PDR the suggested informal meeting. 23. In this regard, MTCO, Thailand and Lao PDR were requested to coordinate regarding the informal meeting and inform the other countries regarding the arrangements including the proposed theme and focus of the meeting. Thailand did not want to impose on Lao PDR regarding organization of the informal technical meeting, and suggested that it be scheduled after all the formal functions were over, maybe at a small lunch or dinner or in line with TRAVEX. 24. Cambodia suggested that a GMS tourism ministers meeting be held since it has been almost 2 years since the last one in Phnom Penh. MTCO was requested to make appropriate arrangements for a possible a one-hour meeting, to be incorporated in the ATF Program, and prepare the provisional agenda and the draft ministerial statement for circulation to TWG on an urgent basis. Cambodia s suggestion was supported by Thailand and Viet Nam, and Myanmar will go along with the others. Lao PDR would send a separate invitation to the GMS tourism ministers and ADB, and inform countries about details. 25. Mr. Florence suggested that a representative from each GMS country join him in media briefings to share developments at the subregional level. 26. On arrangement to have a GMS booth at TRAVEX, Lao PDR requested MTCO to help in organizing this, including having GMS representatives man the booth on rotation basis. 13

17 Agenda Item 5: GMS Updates: Tourism Arrivals and Border Check Points 5.1 Update by Cambodia 14

18 15

19 16

20 17

21 18

22 19

23 5.2 Update by PRC 5.3 Update by Lao PDR 20

24 21

25 22

26 23

27 5.4 Update by Myanmar 24

28 25

29 26

30 5.5 Update bythailand 27

31 5.6 Update by Vietnam 28

32 29

33 Agenda Item 6: GMS Country Project Updates 6.1 Implementation of Refocused Tourism Sector Strategy Priority Programs Tourism-Related Human Resource Development Pro-poor, Sustainable Tourism Development Sub-regional Marketing and Product Development 27. To save time and streamline the meeting, these two agenda items were taken up together. Copies of the country reports were circulated to the participants for notation and reference (copies attached in Appendix 5). 28. The Chairman requested MTCO to consolidate the country reports in CD format for easy reference. 29. Thailand informed the meeting about a planned Workshop on Promoting Responsible Heritage Tourism for GMS to be held in early February 2013 in Sukothai. Invitation letters would be sent to the GMS countries by January 2013 to attend at their expense. Thailand would also organize the 2 nd Trilateral Meeting on the Southern Tourism Corridor (Cambodia-Thailand-Viet Nam), details to be informed later. 30

34 31

35 Agenda Item 7: Statements by Development Partners 30. PATA thanked TWG for the excellent hospitality and opportunity for relationship building and allowing PATA to bring in their expertise and add value to what TWG was doing. PATA informed TWG about its general meeting scheduled in Bangkok in April PATA also proposed to organize a Greater Mekong adventure travel and responsible tourism week, possibly in 2015, involving leading buyers of adventure travel. PATA could arrange a week-long multi-activity, high profile event to showcase all the tourism highlights around the Mekong that would more likely attract bigger participation from a worldwide audience. The GMS tourism map had identified 4 UNESCO heritage sites, and PATA could visualize adding a thousand mile multi-modal journey starting in Chiang Mai, a road relay for students, electric car competition, vintage motorcycle or car rally that could attract worldwide attention and big-time sponsors. These ideas could be viewed as part of a long-term plan, and test GMS-PATA cooperation as well as showcase the infrastructure development that ADB had supported. The event s slogan could be around one race, 6 nations, and targeting at least 5,000 participants. PATA suggested that TWG consider this as a brainstorming idea, and would like to get views of media, and how the route could be developed. 31. The Chairman welcomed PATA proposal and requested the latter for a concept paper that could eventually be developed into a more formal proposal. 32. PATA noted the need for urgent action and that the main government support would be in the form of facilitating border access for thousands of participants. Most sponsorship would come from the private sector. The practical underlying theme of the event could be how the GMS countries have worked together to facilitate travel within the subregion. 33. MTCO welcomed the opportunity to brainstorm with PATA on the proposal and to partner with PATA on the long-term vision for the subregion. 34. Mr. Schipani welcomed the inspiring idea to showcase work in the subregion. ADB would be pleased to assist if the countries would consider this as a priority initiative and if TWG would elevate this to ADB for possible assistance. He supported the Chairman s suggestion for a brainstorming session between MTCO and PATA and a more concrete concept paper from PATA. 32

36 Agenda Item 8: Other Matters 35. Lao PDR informed the meeting regarding preparations for the ASEAN Tourism Forum on January 2013 at Don Chan Palace Hotel in Vientiane. Other related events are the ASEAN NTOs meeting, ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting, ASEAN + Japan, China, Korea, ASEAN + India and Russia, TRAVEX, media briefings, and sellers-buyers meetings. Organizers would provide one free booth to each ASEAN country, one complementary booth for ASEAN to be manned by the ASEAN Secretariat. Lao PDR as host would bear accommodation costs for ASEAN Ministers and Heads of NTOs at Don Chan Palace. Other details regarding protocol, hospitality, security, and other amenities to be provided to each delegation were also presented. 36. Thailand informed the meeting that they would host a Golden Triangle Triathlon, a 3-day event in December 2012 to promote the thematic route and sports activities against drug smuggling along the Mekong River, for which Thailand requested the collaboration of Myanmar and Lao PDR. In addition, an International Conference on Sustainable Development in Lancang-Mekong Subregion would be held in January 2013, organized by their Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and featuring tourism as one of the topics. Agenda Item 9: Date and Venue of the Next TWG Meeting (TWG-30) 37. The Meeting agreed to hold the 31st TWG Meeting (TWG-31) in PRC in 2013, and requested MTCO to coordinate closely with the host regarding specific details, to be informed to TWG members later. Agenda Item 10: Consideration and adoption of the report 38. The summary of proceedings would be prepared by the GMS Secretariat and MTCO. The first draft would be circulated by MTCO to the NTOs for comments as soon as possible. 39. The meeting thanked the GMS Secretariat based at ADB for extending assistance in preparing the summaries of proceedings of TWG-30 and the other side events. Closing Session 40. 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. 33

37 SUMMARY OF TWG-30 DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS: 1. MTCO to upload the summary of proceedings of TWG meetings and ATF reports in the MTCO website, and also distribute these in CD format to all delegations. MTCO to continue monitoring TWG decisions and recommendations and the progress of work to implement these. 2. MTCO to produce more GMS tourism promotional materials for distribution at tourism-related events. 3. Given the emergence of the Russian market, MTCO to actively market the GMS as a tourism destination to the Russian delegation and other delegations at tourism events. MTCO should try to get a booth for GMS or maybe join up with a private sector booth to boost marketing and promotion efforts, and link up with airlines, tour operators, etc. 4. MTCO to help promote ACMECS on the GMS tourism website, and have the GMS tourism website linked with the ASEAN tourism websites. MTCO to also work to promote the 3 ACMECS rivers in promotion efforts for GMS assets, and help revive marketing and promotion for CLMV countries. MTCO to avoid confusing consumers about all of these acronyms, and diluting the core message of the explore Mekong campaign. 5. MTCO to carefully monitor the explore Mekong campaign and how many people visited the website by using google analytics. 6. MTCO to share its corporate presentation about the GMS with TWG and also prepare a basic template presentation so that TWG could speak with one voice. MTCO to submit a robust report to TWG on the key points discussed with officials and private sector representatives during tourism meetings/events. 7. MTCO, in coordination with Lao PDR as host, to help organize an informal meeting at the sideline of the ASEAN Tourism Forum in January 2013 to strengthen joint promotion efforts among GMS countries, and discuss, among others, the status of Visit Mekong year. MTCO to also assist regarding a possible presentation at the Thailand Travel Mart in June MTCO to coordinate with Lao PDR regarding a proposed one-hour GMS Tourism Ministers meeting to be incorporated in the ATF 2013 Program, and prepare the provisional agenda and the draft ministerial statement for circulation to TWG on an urgent basis by 15 December Lao PDR would send a separate invitation to the GMS tourism ministers and ADB, and inform them about the details. 9. MTCO to assist in organizing a GMS booth at TRAVEX in coordination with Lao PDR, including manning of the booth by GMS representatives on rotation basis. 10. MTCO to consolidate the country reports on tourist arrivals, border check points, and country progress reports in CD format for easy reference. 11. MTCO to brainstorm with PATA regarding the latter s proposal to organize a Greater Mekong adventure travel and responsible tourism week in LIST OF APPENDICES: Appendix 1: Appendix 2: Appendix 3: Appendix 4: Appendix 5: List of Participants Opening Remarks Agenda MTCO progress report on TWG-29 decisions and recommendations Country Updates on Tourism Arrivals and Border Check Points, Country Projects 34

38 APPENDIX 1 : PARTICIPANT LIST CAMBODIA 1. Mr. Tith Chantha Director General, Head of delegation Ministry of Tourism #3, Preah Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh12258 Kingdom of Cambodia Tel: Fax: H/P : (855-12) chanthatith63@gmail.com 2. Mr. Nat Yin Deputy Director Planning Development Department Ministry of Tourism Lot no. 3, Street 169, Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara Phnom Penh Cambodia Tel: Fax: yinnat79@gmail.com 3. Sararith Em Chief of Tourism Community Office Ministry of Tourism Lot no. 3, Street 169, Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara Phnom Penh Cambodia Tel: Fax: Voleark Poch Deputy Director of International Cooperation Dept Lot no. 3, Street 169, Sangkat Veal Vong, Khan 7 Makara Phnom Penh Cambodia Tel: Fax: learkpoch@yahoo.com 35

39 CHINA (YUNNAN) 1.Mr. Yu Fan Deputy Director General Head of delegation Yunnan Provincial Tourism Administration No. 678, Dianchi Road, Kunming China Tel: Fax: Ms. Li Yan Section chief Yunnan Provincial Tourism Administration No. 678, Dianchi Road, Kunming China Tel: Fax: LAO PDR 1. Mr. Thaviphet Oula Deputy Director General, Head of delegation Tourism Development Department Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lane Xang Avenue, PO. Box 3556 Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel: Ms. Phonemaly Inthaphome Director Tourism Planning and Development Division Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lane Xang Avenue, PO. Box 3556 Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel: Ms. Champhone Vongsa Deputy Director Tourism Planning and Development Division Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lane Xang Avenue, PO. Box 3556 Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel:

40 4. Mr. Chitpasong Soulideth Deputy Director of Tourism Promotion Division Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lane Xang Avenue, PO. Box: 3556, Vientiane Lao PDR Tel: Ms. Sanga Thamvongsa Desk Officer Economic Affairs Department Ministry of Foreign Affairs 23 Singha Rd., Vientiane Capital Lao PDR Tel: Fax: Ms. Alounny Panhyasith Officer Tourism Management Department Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lane Xang Avenue, PO. Box: 3556, Vientiane Lao PDR Tel: MYANMAR 1. Mr. Hla Myint Deputy Director, Head of Delegation Directorate of Hotels and Tourism Nay Pyi Taw, Mandalay Myanmar Tel: Fax:

41 THAILAND 1. Mr. Kajorn Weerajai Deputy Director General, Head of delegation Department of Tourism 154 National Stadium, Rama 1 Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand Tel: /351 Fax: witchanee@hotmail.com 2. Ms. Wanna Cholpraves Director International Tourism Cooperation Division Department of Tourism 154 National Stadium, Rama 1 Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand Tel: /351 Fax: witchanee@hotmail.com 3. Ms. Urairatana Naothaworn Director of International Affairs Ministry of Tourism and Sports Bangkok, Thailand Tel: Fax: Ms. Witchanee V. Thongsomchit Chief, International Tourism Relations Section Department of Tourism 154 National Stadium, Rama 1 Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand Tel: /351 Fax: witchanee@hotmail.com 5. Ms. Saovamai Sae Ung Policy and Plan Analyst officer Ministry of Tourism and Sports Bangkok, Thailand Tel: Fax:

42 6. Mr. Pichai Raktasinha Director ASEAN, South Asia and South Pacific Market Division Tourism Authority of Thailand 1600 New Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchthewi Bangkok Thailand Tel: /1236 Fax: Ms. Chutathip Chareonlarp Director Tourism Authority of Thailand Ho Chi Minh Office 5 th Floor, Empire Tower Building, Ham Nghi Str., District 1. Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Tel: /6 Fax: chutachip.char@tat.or.th 8. Ms. Thitirat Sookphartjaroen Chief, International Cooperation Section Tourism Authority of Thailand 1600 New Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchthewi Bangkok Thailand Tel: /1207 Fax: thitirat.sook@tat.or.th VIET NAM 1. Mr. Dinh Ngoc Duc Acting Director, International Cooperation Department (IDC) Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) 80 Quan Su Str. Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: ext 121 Fax: dinhngocduc@vietnamtourism.gov.vn 39

43 2. Ms. Tran Thi Phuong Nhung Official International Cooperation Department (ICD) Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) 80 Quan Su Str. Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: ext 122 Fax: nhungvnat@yahoo.com PATA 1. Mr. Martin Craigs CEO Pacific Asia Travel Association 989 Siam Tower, Ramai Road, Pathumwan Thailand Tel: Fax: elle@pata.org 2. Mr. Alex Rayner Chief Marketing Official Pacific Asia Travel Association 989 Siam Tower, Ramai Road, Pathumwan Thailand Tel: Fax: alex@pata.org MTCO 1. Mr. Mason Florence Executive Director, Head of delegation MTCO 154, 5 th Fl. Department of Tourism Rama 1 Rd. National Stadium Bangkok Thailand Tel: /1 Fax: mason@mekongtourism.org 40

44 2. Mr. Wasin Banjerdtanakul Consultant MTCO 5 th Floor, Dept. of Tourism, 154 Rama 4 Rd, Pathuwan Bangkok Thailand Tel: Fax: Wasinb@hotmail.com 3. Mr.Supicha Homkong Operations Manager MTCO 154, 5 th Fl. Department of Tourism Rama 1 Rd. National Stadium Bangkok Thailand Tel: /1 Fax: supicha@mekongtourism.org ADB 1. Mr. Steven Schipani Social Sector Specialist of Southeast Asia Department Asian Development Bank, 6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila, Philippines Tel: ; Fax: sschipani@adb.org 2. Ms. Floreuza Melendez Consultant, GMS Unit Philippines Tel: Fax: fmelendez.consultant@adb.org 41