An event to launch training programs for the tourism and hospitality sector in Myanmar, along with a seminar on further attracting Chinese tourists to Myanmar, was held in Yangon on Monday.

The tourism and hospitality training, funded by China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD), are organized by Myanmar Tourism Federation and its partner associations.

Speaking at the launching event, Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Thet Thet Khine said her ministry has provided necessary guidance and campuses for the courses.

Seven courses in total, including three for tourism and four for hospitality, will be offered at the ministry's campuses in Yangon.

As one of the courses is Chinese food preparation training, it will help hotel staff provide better services for Chinese tourists, the union minister said, adding that they also aim to promote skills development for the ministry's staff.

She expressed gratitude to the CFRD, Myanmar Tourism Federation and related associations for organizing the courses.

U Yan Win, president of Myanmar Tourism Federation, said the purpose of the training is to improve service quality in the tourism and hospitality industry, and the seminar aims to enhance the Chinese tourism market in Myanmar.

Chinese tourists are one of the top contributors to the industry in Myanmar. Therefore, visas on arrival are provided for Chinese visitors, and familiarization trips for them were also organized, he added.

According to the ministry, the three courses for tourism are digital skills for tourism professionals, skills development for new tour guides, and tour operator and travel operation training, while four courses for hospitality are basic courses for hotel front office operations, housekeeping, food and beverage services, and food and beverage preparation for Chinese cuisine.

Most of the courses are scheduled to be conducted in November, according to the ministry.