- To provide a sustainably managed community based tourism program that will help to sensitively develop and improve the lives of Twante Township’s citizens, with a specific focus on the residents of Kyaikthale’s village and the students of the nearby monastic school. CBT project now has thirty-two part-time workers and five permanent workers.
- As existing community based tourism projects in Myanmar have already proven, long term professionally managed projects can significantly improve the economies of otherwise ostracized and cut off regions. We would aim to create new jobs, encourage diversification of existing business practice and usher in a new source of income to the area.
- To provide those involved with extra stimulation to celebrate, conserve and support the community’s rich cultural heritage.
- To implement a systematic and sustainable management scheme, which would help to preserve the community’s environment and precious natural resources.
- To train willing project participants with transferable service skills along with basic health and safety fundamentals. Not only will this be useful if they wish to further their career, but it will also follow through into their home life also.
Conclusion:
Based on our existing knowledge and long-term association with the community in question, we believe this carefully thought community based tourism proposal has the potential to make a real difference to all those involved. Not only will it help to stimulate existing business practice and provide a new source of income to an otherwise ostracized area, but it will see to the continuation and practice of home industry, farming and centuries old Myanmar cultural tradition. Through regular and professionally led training program, we are also confident that the community will benefit from a better understanding of international service standards and the daily practice of basic health and safety fundamentals.
Assuming we are able to stick to schedule, the first phase of the project will be completedfirst week of February 2017 and our Grand Opening Ceremony is on 18th February 2017. The experience will be offered to any destination management company, tour operator or travel agent, providing they have a genuine interest and can extend long-term support to the project’s development. After all, we all have a responsibility to protect, promote and sustain the development of community based tourism in Twante Township.