Developing Buddhism-based tourism industry: Meeting with President of Lumbini Garden Foundation

Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Htay Aung received a delegation led by President of Lumbini Garden Foundation Jose Maunel Vilanova Aleman at the Ministry in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday concerning the Great Maha Karuna project to be implemented in Spain with the aim for developing a Buddhism-based Asia-Europe tourism industry.

At the meeting, the President of the Lumbini Garden Foundation explained plan to build pagodas and stupas, religious buildings and facilities from Buddhist countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan and Thailand including the 47-m high world's largest Buddha statue in Caceres in Spain, The land of project area is 110 hectares and permission has been granted by the Spanish government in order to carry out the project. 

The project was started 4 years ago and the project period is 15 years. Pagodas and religious buildings from countries that practice Theravada Buddhism such as Thailand, Myanmar, Nepal and Thailand will be prioritized in the construction.

As the replicas of pagodas, stupas and religious buildings from Myanmar have a chance to build in Spain, it will make to know more about Myanmar and promote Myanmar's tourism industry.

In regard with the project, meetings are also being held with the news media in Spain and through this project, the image of Myanmar can be promoted. He called for cooperating in the project as Myanmar plays a key role for implementing the project.

The Union Minister also discussed that he welcomes the project as it provides opportunities to cooperate for the development of the pilgrimage of Myanmar-Nepal and Spain. The Ministry will further cooperate for propagation of Buddhism, boosting tourism and strengthening friendship.