Myanmar Invests in Tourism Skills with Hotel Service Training Graduation in Mandalay

The hotel service training concluding event in Meiktila. Photo: Ko Lwin

Building Hospitality Excellence in the Heart of Myanmar

Myanmar has taken another important step toward strengthening its tourism industry with the successful hotel service training graduation ceremony held at Mandalay’s Grand Cosmos Hotel in Meiktila. Supported by the Mandalay Region Government and delivered in cooperation with the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, the program highlights a renewed focus on human resource development as a foundation for sustainable tourism growth.

The initiative reflects a clear commitment to raising service standards across Myanmar’s hospitality sector while creating meaningful employment pathways for local communities.

Graduation Ceremony Marks a Milestone for Tourism Development

The graduation ceremony was formally opened by Mandalay Region Minister for Economic Affairs U Thein Htay, who delivered an opening address and presented certificates to trainers and trainees. This was followed by certificate presentations from Director-in-Charge U Zaw Myo Latt of the Mandalay Region Office of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, alongside departmental officials. The event also featured an appreciation speech from one of the trainees, reflecting the program’s positive impact on participants.

The ceremony brought together senior government representatives, district and township officials, tourism authorities, hotel and tourism association representatives, trainees, and invited guests, underscoring strong public and private sector collaboration.

Practical Training for a Stronger Hospitality Workforce

A total of 73 trainees successfully completed the two-week hotel service training program, which ran for five hours per day. The course included 42 trainees specialising in food and beverage catering and 31 trainees focused on room keeping operations. Designed to address real-world industry needs, the training provided practical, job-ready skills aligned with international hospitality standards.

By strengthening frontline service capabilities, the program supports Myanmar’s broader tourism recovery while ensuring visitors receive professional, welcoming, and consistent service experiences.

Expanding Skills Development Beyond Mandalay

Following the Mandalay training, a similar graduation ceremony was also held in Pyin Oo Lwin, reinforcing the government’s intention to extend hospitality skills development across key tourism destinations in the Mandalay Region. This regional approach helps distribute tourism benefits more evenly while supporting destinations known for heritage, culture, and natural beauty.

Programs like these contribute directly to destination readiness, preparing hotels and tourism businesses for future growth as travel demand returns.

MTCO’s Role in Regional Tourism Advancement

The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), which supports sustainable tourism development across the Greater Mekong Subregion. By encouraging skills training and capacity building, MTCO helps destinations like Myanmar strengthen service quality, workforce resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

Human resource development remains a critical pillar in ensuring tourism growth is inclusive, responsible, and economically beneficial for local communities.

Why This Matters for Travellers to Myanmar

For travellers, improved hospitality training translates into better service, deeper cultural engagement, and enhanced overall travel experiences. As Myanmar continues to invest in its people, visitors can expect warmer welcomes and higher standards across hotels, restaurants, and tourism services, particularly in culturally rich regions such as Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin.

This renewed focus on skills development signals Myanmar’s readiness to rebuild tourism with quality, professionalism, and sustainability at its core.

Web Contact Details
Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, Myanmar: https://tourism.gov.mm
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO): https://mekongtourism.org

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