During the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, at least four other Southeast Asian countries have rolled out year-round programs.
Malaysia, whose Visit Malaysia Year just concluded when the year began, declared 2015 as Year of Festivals, also called MyFest. The thematic program that will run throughout the year is a continuation of the Visit Malaysia Year campaign from last year and aims to promote Malaysia’s culture for tourism, Malaysia’s ministry for tourism and culture explained.
The ministry unveiled MyFest last night before 300 buyers and 100 members of the media.
Meanwhile, Thailand introduced 2015 Discover Thainess as a comeback strategy after tourism arrivals plummeted in 2014 as a result of the Bangkok protests during the early part of last year. Under the program, the Tourism Authority of Thailand recommends 12 “hidden gems” or emerging provincial destinations and promotes a series of events and festivals until December.
Vietnam, on the other hand, declared 2015 as National Tourism Year with the theme “Networking World Heritages” that will promote the country’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and historical attractions.