Tourism Stakeholders of Thandaung Gyi Meet to Discuss Issues
11th Thandaung Gyi Tourism Development Working Group (TTDWG) Meeting

Participants and speakers of the 11th Thandaung Gyi Tourism Development Working Group Meeting.

HSF

Reverent Bo Thar opened the meeting with positive news:"We are happy to announce, that the group is growing!" New accommodations as well as restaurants and souvenir shops are opening their doors for domestic and international tourists. There is for example the newly founded Thandaunggyi Women Group, offers coffee to tourists and locals. Further, there is a local initiative, that sells souvenirs, made out of old newspapers.

TTDWG's aim is to promote inclusive growth through tourism. The increased tourism numbers have positive effects for many people in the community. There are businesses that benefit directly from tourism, such as BnBs and restaurants and indirectly, such as farmers and shop owners.

A presentation of the “Visit Thandaung Gyi” brochure.

HSF

The meeting was fruitful and covered a wide range of topics such as product developments, the Thandaung Gyi Mountain Run, waste management and new opportunities that arise through the recent construction of a communication tower, that connects the community to the internet.

Leander Ketelhodt, Programme Manager of the HSF presented the new Edition of the "Dos and Don'ts for Tourists" and left copies in the community. The booklet will help the community to further maximize tourism benefits and minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, culture and society.

The participants of the meeting discussed a wide range of topics regarding the development of tourism in the region.

HSF

The Hanns Seidel Foundation has supported Thandaung Gyi for more than 4 years. The community is a well working example of peace building through empowering and improving local livelihoods. The HSF is committed to continue its support of the TTDWG and is looking forward to a good cooperation in the year 2018!