Ecotourism management strategy launched
Myanmar sets to expand the country's network of protected areas and aims to establish a diversity of range of quality ecotourism products and services by 2020, according to state media.
The policies are part of the Myanmar Ecotourism Policy and Management Strategy, launched in Nay Pyi Taw this week, said a report by Global New Light of Myanmar.
The strategy was developed with technical collaboration from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and supported by the European Union and the GMS-Environment Operation Centre, has six strategic programmes for the development of the country’s ecotourism sector.
They include the strengthening of institutional arrangements, research, and monitoring frameworks, marketing and interpretation, development of ecotourism management plans, investment in infrastructure and establishment of responsible business models.
With significant progress since 2012, Myanmar’s tourism industry is growing at an impressive pace. The country received 3.081 million visitors in 2014, a 51 per cent increase over the previous year, and welcomed 909,510 during the first three months of this year.
In his welcome address, Vice President Nyan Tun said Myanmar recognises the potential for growth in the sector and is developing its tourism policies accordingly. He added that ecotourism development is included in the government’s strategy to develop a green economy.
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