Through the Business Innovation Facility (BIF), the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID) supports local tourism entrepreneurs to develop and market innovative, inclusive and socially responsible tourism products in Myanmar.
A key component of BIF’s support to the tourism sector is the Product & Package Innovation Competition (PPIC). PPIC provides technical and financial assistance to innovative entrepreneurs, enabling them to develop and introduce new tourism products that celebrate Myanmar’s diverse cultural and natural heritage.
More than 20 PPIC awardees will be announced at the 2016 PPIC awards ceremony to be held in Yangon on 29 November at the Inlay Lake Hotel. The PPIC awards ceremony will be hosted by BIF. Daw Kyi Kyi Aye, Senior Advisor to Myanmar Tourism Federation (MTF) will present the keynote address. Mr Kerry Conway, and Daw Yu Yu Naing, Private Sector Development Advisor from DFID London and Yangon respectively will represent DFID at the award ceremony.
For this year’s competition, BIF reviewed 42 business proposals submitted by tourism entrepreneurs from 12 states and divisions. Proposals were assessed by a panel of international and local judges against five key criteria — innovation, benefit to low income people, viability, sustainability, and environmental impact.
This year’s range of products to be honoured during the PPIC awards ceremony is impressive. Below is just a small selection.
• Explore fascinating Inle Lake in an environmentally friendly way with locally produced bamboo boats and rafts
• Enjoy an intriguing heritage tourism package in Chin state allowing you to discover the hidden history and treasures of the Chin people
• Discover a traditional village while experiencing canal trips on your way to southern Myanmar
• Explore ancient monuments of the Bagan (11th Century) and Konbaung dynasties (late 19th Century) and experiencing village life in nearby Salay
• Experience an ecovillage near Mt. Popa in central Myanmar
Commented Benjamin Carey, BIF Tourism Consultant in Myanmar: “This is a magnificent initiative, because it is a very practical way to open up new areas of this extraordinary destination, so that the huge benefits of tourism can be more widely shared throughout the country.
The program also helps to showcase the mosaic of cultural heritage across Myanmar’s many different communities with a particular emphasis on experiencing delicious food, and perhaps learning to cook it too.”
BIF launched the PPIC in June 2015. The annual competition awards successful applicants up to GBP 14,000 in either grant funding, technical assistance or a combination of the two, to support players in the Myanmar tourism market to develop and pilot inclusive tourism packages and products.
Let the journey begin!
