Business Innovation Facility in Myanmar has announced the latest tourism innovation awards

The Business Innovation Facility (BIF), a programme of the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID), has awarded support to 24 local tourism entrepreneurs from 10 states for their work in developing innovative, inclusive and socially responsible tourism products in Myanmar.

 

The Second Annual Product & Package Innovation Competition (PPIC) Award Ceremony, held on 29 November at the Inya Lake Hotel, Yangon, was hosted by BIF. BIF Country Manager Mr Sebastien Moineau explained that “The PPIC is BIF’s flagship intervention, providing grants and technical assistance to encourage innovation, showcase best practice and support entrepreneurs through networking and market access.” He added “Of course there are financial, political and technological constraints, and this is why BIF is also building local capacity through training programmes and policy interventions to enable Myanmar’s tourism industry to share its fantastic products and stories more widely.”

 

 

Daw Kyi Kyi Aye, Senior Advisor to Myanmar Tourism Federation (MTF) gave the keynote address. In her comments, Daw Kyi Kyi Aye recognised excellence in Myanmar’s growing tourism industry. She reflected that “In order to share the benefits of tourism and encourage inclusive growth, especially in rural areas, there is a need to encourage diversification of tourism products whilst also protecting the natural environment”. She observed that “tourism must be sustainable and all stakeholders are involved in creating opportunities that are both responsible and innovative.”

 

Attended by leading industry players, the PPIC Awards are the highest recognition for innovation in tourism in Myanmar. The competition rewards outstanding contributions to the continuing success of Myanmar as a responsible and inclusive tourism destination. Introducing the event, BIF Country Director U Thuta Aung emphasised that the primary objective is “to alleviate poverty by encouraging entrepreneurship in tourism.” The PPIC Awards were presented by Mr Kerry Conway and Daw Yu Yu Naing from DFID and by U Thuta Aung and Mr Sebastien Moineau from BIF. A highly successful “street market” was held with the winners presenting their products to delegates. This year’s PPIC winning products cover 10 states and regions: Bago, Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Magway, Mandalay, Shan, Tanintharyi and Yangon. A selection of these innovative products includes:

 

This year, the PPIC attracted 42 entries from across the country. The PPIC Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts who assess written submissions from tourism entrepreneurs. Tourism concepts are judged on their innovation, sustainability and social responsibility — specifically their ability to contribute to the social and economic wellbeing of the communities they impact.