Since the formulation of the RTSS, some progress has been made in moving the RTSS
agenda forward. First, a GMS country has been designated as lead country for each of the
29 tourism projects envisaged by the RTSS. Second, a reprioritization exercise designates four
high priority projects and three medium-priority projects for implementation during 2008–2010:
(i) Marketing and product development. Foster the development of multicountry
tourism in the subregion by stimulating demand from appropriate high-yield
markets and products through joint promotional activities.
(ii) Human resource development. Upgrade the skills of tourism leaders and
tourism trainers in the subregion.
(iii) Heritage conservation and social impact management. Promote higher
standards in managing natural and cultural resources for conservation and
tourism purposes, and enhance measures to manage the negative social impacts
of tourism.
(iv) Pro-poor tourism development. Help reduce the incidence of poverty and
increase rural incomes in poor areas.
(v) Private sector participation. Encourage private sector participation and
partnerships in planning, investment, and marketing of tourism.
(vi) Facilitate the movement of tourists. Identify and address impediments to travel
to and within the subregion.
(vii) Develop tourism-related infrastructure. Jointly plan and develop tourism
infrastructure to ensure a wider distribution of tourism benefits and support to
pro-poor tourism development in designated priority zones.