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Myanmar President U Thein Sein said on Monday that ASEAN tourism sector has seen considerable positive growth in the last consecutive years, reflecting the growth potentials and regional cooperation of ASEAN.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 34th ASEAN Tourism Forum-2015, hosted by Myanmar for the first time, U Thein Sein also highlighted the active role Myanmar has played in regional cooperation and integration.
He said the past three consecutive years -- 2012, 2013 and 2014- - have marked tourism milestones for the country with the number of tourists reaching one million in 2012 for the first time and growing to 2.04 million in 2013 and then to over three million in 2014.
"If we continuously maintain the existing growth rate, we can expect to receive nearly 4.5 million visitors in 2015," he forecast, adding that "If we can promote more peace, stability and relaxation of travel restrictions for both international and regional tourists, the arrivals in 2015 can increase up to 5 million."
He emphasized Myanmar's successful adoption of a responsible tourism policy and policy on community involvement in tourism with close collaboration of international development partners to achieve equitable benefits.
With the theme of "ASEAN Tourism Towards Peace, Prosperity and Partnership," the eight-day forum, which began on last Thursday, is being held in conjunction with ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting, ASEAN+3 Tourism Ministers Meeting and related meetings including business matching sessions.
