Myanmar held a ceremony to mark World Tourism Day 2026 at the Myanmar International Convention Centre-I (MICC-I) in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday, with Vice-President Nan Ni Ni Aye, Chairperson of the National Committee for Tourism Development, attending and delivering a speech.
The ceremony was attended by Union ministers, the Nay Pyi Taw Council chair, deputy ministers, foreign ambassadors, senior government officials, tourism experts, representatives of private tourism organizations, academics, students and other invited guests.
In her speech, the Vice-President said this year’s World Tourism Day theme is “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” She said the theme is timely and appropriate for developing the tourism sector in line with rapidly advancing technologies.
She highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve travel experiences and enhance business management, marketing and decision-making. At the same time, she stressed the need to pay attention to security, data protection, accountability, transparency and human-centred approaches when using new technologies.
She said Myanmar has been easing visa-related procedures to facilitate international visitors and has been participating in international tourism fairs, organizing familiarization trips and promoting tourism through digital technologies.
The Vice-President also called for local communities and small and medium-sized enterprises, including handicraft producers, accommodation providers and restaurants, to benefit from digitalization. She said locally made products should be connected to global markets through digital platforms.
She urged stakeholders to work together to adopt and develop modern technologies in line with the 2026 World Tourism Day theme and to advance Myanmar’s tourism sector to a new level.
The ceremony also featured video presentations and cultural performances. Awards were presented to hotels, tour companies and winners of photography, short video, paper, article and essay competitions held to mark World Tourism Day 2026.
The event concluded with a group photo and visits to exhibition booths showcasing tourism-related activities, MSME products from regions and states, and displays by hotel and tourism associations, companies and competition winners.
World Tourism Day has been celebrated annually since 1980 under the leadership of the UN Tourism organization, with 2026 marking its 46th anniversary.
MNA/ST
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