MSYA UM tours Pathein hotels, sports facilities to spur tourism, youth development

1 MARCH 2026

 

TO promote the systematic development of hotel businesses in the Ayeyawady Region, enhance the cleanliness and appeal of tourist sites, and encourage a steady rise in both domestic and international visitors, Jeng Phang Naw Taung, Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs and for Hotels and Tourism, inspected hotels in Pathein yesterday morning.

 

Hotel representatives briefed the Union Minister on their operations, arrangements to meet visitors’ needs, and initiatives to attract more guests.

 

In his remarks, the Union minister noted that as Pathein is both the regional capital and a key tourist destination, hotels must continuously improve service standards to draw more visitors. He stressed the importance of training competent staff, showcasing locally produced traditional handicrafts, and serving regional cuisine to a high standard. He also called for attractive interior and exterior décor to create a welcoming atmosphere for longer stays, and instructed that hotel premises and façades be kept clean and well-maintained.

 

In the afternoon, the Union minister, together with the Region’s Minister for Social Affairs and the Director-General of the Department of Sports and Physical Education, inspected construction works at the Sports and Physical Education Institute in Pathein. Ongoing projects funded under the 2025- 2026 Union Budget include a three-storey reinforced concrete trainees’ dormitory with ten rooms and the installation of a 315 kVA transformer. He also reviewed facilities completed under the 2024-2025 Union Budget, including an gymnasium. He instructed officials to ensure that all projects meet prescribed standards, are completed on schedule, and use quality materials to guarantee long-term durability.

 

The Union minister later met officers and staff from regional, district and township Departments of Sports and Physical Education, as well as the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism. He urged close coordination with relevant departments across Regions and States to implement the Ministry’s policies and objectives for the development of sports and youth affairs.

 

He subsequently visited Koethein Stadium in Pathein, where he directed officials to clear weeds from the football pitch and carry out regular maintenance to ensure a clean and well-kept environment.

 

Finally, he inspected the 50-metre swimming pool and diving pool at the Pathein Advanced Swimming Pool, completed under the 2023-2024 Union Budget, and observed ongoing summer swimming courses. He instructed that proper chlorination and regular water treatment be maintained to preserve the facilities. He also emphasised the importance of organizing continuous summer training programmes to nurture a new generation of swimmers. — MNA/KZL