Tourism Indochina: ADB providing US$ 20 Million to develop tourism in greater Mekong Subregion

Tourism Indochina: ADB providing US$ 20 Million to develop tourism in greater Mekong Subregion

(Tourism Indochina:Date : 2008-10-22):

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing US$ 20 million for the development of the tourism sector in the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS) to help create more jobs for the poor while protecting the environment, ethnic groups, and minorities.

The project will benefit nine provinces in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and five provinces in Viet Nam, which were selected for their high tourism potential and poverty rates. The project areas form part of the priority zone under the GMS Tourism Sector Strategy 2006-2015.

ADB will provide a US$ 10 million loan to Viet Nam and a US$ 10 million grant to Lao PDR to cover most of the project cost of US$ 21.98 million. Viet Nam will contribute US$ 1.11 million and Lao PDR US$ 870,000 to complete the funding requirement.

The project will support the construction of handicraft markets, viewing points, small access roads, walking trails, tourism signage, information and visitation centers, parking areas, small river piers, community lodges, and sanitary facilities.

It will also support preparation of plans for tourism site development and management, training for local communities and private tourism operators, development of marketing strategies and products, and production of tourism manuals.

The project will promote strong and fair partnerships among local governments and communities and the private sector in developing, operating, and maintaining community tourism facilities.

In 2007, the GMS received 25.6 million international tourists, generating US$ 18.85 billion in earnings and providing employment to 3.74 million people. From 1995 to 2007, international tourist arrivals to the GMS rose at a yearly average rate of 8.12 percent, more than twice the world average. Its share of world tourism rose to 2.9 percent from 2.2 percent during the period and its share of the Asia and Pacific region’s tourism increased to 14 percent from 11 percent.

“The contribution of tourism to the GMS economy has increased significantly in the past decade, creating new opportunities for economic growth and poverty reduction,” said Alfredo Perdiguero, Senior Economist of ADB’s Southeast Asia Department.

But the fast and unmanaged pace of tourism expansion has prevented many poor from reaping the benefits and limited development to just a few destinations.

New opportunities resulting from the development of transport corridors have also not been fully tapped, while small- and medium-sized businesses have not been able to provide the quality of service demanded by tourists.

Furthermore, the public sector has been unable to ensure the sustainable growth of the sector, while preserving the natural, cultural and urban heritages, which are under threat. The project will contribute to heritage conservation through the development of sustainable tourism that will benefit the poor.

The Greater Mekong Subregion is composed of countries sharing the Mekong River – Cambodia, People’s Republic of China, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam.

(PNA)

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Regional tourism officials vow to protect environment

Greater Mekong Sub region members to draft comprehensive tourism development plan that highlights eco-tourism

Regional tourism and environmental officials have agreed to better protect their countries' natural resources in a bid to encourage eco-tourism, Tourism Minister Thong Khon told the Post Sunday following a meeting last week of members from the Greater Mekong Sub region (GMS).

"All beaches, mountains, protected forest areas, bird and animal sanctuaries are to be protected for a long-term and sustainable development," Thong Khon said. He added that participants at the GMS meeting pledged to work together towards a comprehensive tourism development plan.

"As tourism continues to play an important role in the development of Cambodia, it is essential to secure a framework that allows for dialogue across the instrumental sectors of tourism, environment and the private sector," said Arjun Goswami, country director for the Asian Development Bank, which was present at the meeting.

"I am very encouraged to see that steps are being taken to further strengthen this collaboration," he said. The Kingdom's tourism sector continues to post annual growth of around 20 percent, bringing millions of visitors and much-needed revenue to the country.

But some observers warn that rapid growth in the sector may come at the expense of Cambodia's natural attractions, which risk over-development if the sector is not properly regulated. Some large resort projects in protected areas or national parks have already raised the alarm for some.

However, their supporters say these can be integrated with their surroundings, while also bringing jobs and infrastructure to some of Cambodia's most isolated areas.

"Cambodia has so many untouched areas," Thong Khon said. "Fifty percent of world travelers target natural areas, so eco-tourism must be promoted," he added.

"Angkor Wat remains Cambodia's most popular attraction, but there are many eco-tourism destinations in the coastal areas or in the provinces near Vietnam and Laos that need to be protected."

Om Pharin, vice president of the Cambodian Association of Travel Agents (CATA), said the private sector was working with GMS members to broaden the region's tourism sector to take advantage of all that the countries have to offer.

"Not every tourist loves temples or other cultural attractions," Om Pharin said. “ Nature tourism is more attractive" to many people.The GMS is comprised of Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.


Written by Kay Kimsong

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