Development of Kalaw and its tourism will help the socioeconomy of the local community improve, according to a tourism development forum.
The Destination Management Organization plays a crucial role in effectuating destination development and sustainable tourism. All the stakeholders, including related departments, organizations, and tourism agencies, must exert concerted efforts to achieve this, as quoted Dr Thet Thet Khine, Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism, remarking at an event held on 24 May.
According to the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals in 2023 rose worldwide by 34 per cent compared to that of 2022. Myanmar also saw a rebound in tourist arrivals.
Additionally, a strategic plan included in a three-year project to promote Kalaw’s destination (2022-2025) needs to be implemented. The DMO and locals must work together to bring about socio-economic development through tourism.
Kalaw attracts the second largest number of visitors among the cities in southern Shan State, and some also visit the Inlay Lake, Pindaya and other surrounding areas.
The homegrown travellers from central and lower Myanmar mostly visit the following popular destinations in Kalaw hill station: Pine Forest, Kalaw Myoma Market, Kalaw Railway Station, Mahamuni Hnee Buddha Image, Kalaw Thein Mountain, Kalaw Clock Tower and Ozi Mountain, Kalaw View Point, Kalaw Hill Top Villa Hotel, Kalaw City View, Kalaw Italy Church, Yay Yaungma ViewPoint, Old railway between the valley, Myinmahti natural cave, Byike Mountain, Kalaw ShweUMin cave and elephant camp. — TWA/KK
