A tourist destination in Myanmar (Photo: AFP)
Bangkok (VNA) - Thailandand Myanmar have signed a cooperation deal to promote tourism routes connectingancient cities of the two countries in preparation for a travel boom expectedfrom the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Thailand's Designated Areasfor Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) recently signed a memorandum ofunderstanding (MoU) with Myanmar authorities to foster sustainable and culturaltravel routes connecting old cities in both countries.
Under the MoU, DASTA andauthorities of Myeik, located in southern Myanmar, will together develop andpromote tourism plans by linking historical sites from the ancient Dvaravatiperiod, a powerful kingdom that flourished from the 6th to the 11thcenturies.
The first phase of the tourism project consists of fiveroutes from Thailand's U Thong ancient city through western Thailand toTanintharyi, an ancient city in Myanmar, namely U Thong-Suphan Buri, UThong-Kanchanaburi, U Thong-Nakhon Pathom, U Thong-Prachuap Khiri Khan and UThong-Myeik.
DASTA Deputy Director Chumpol Musiganont said the new travel routeswill help broaden ASEAN tourism.
The routes will be managedunder the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's criteria to sustain natural andcultural resources.
Moreover, the initiative will preserve the authenticity oflocal lifestyles, customs and cultures in the ancient Dvaravati areas betweenThailand and Myanmar.-VNA
