Myanmar strives for more reforms to boost tourism
DESPITE THE DECLINE in tourist arrivals last year, Myanmar aims to revive tourism growth by undertaking reforms to improve both domestic and international travels, says Tint Thwin, director general at the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism , adding that the government is now focusing on easing some restrictions and creating new attractions to meet its target of welcoming 5 million tourists this y
“We hope to achieve our target if more people come to know about our country and its beautiful destinations. We believe we will receive a large number of tourists in the last four months (September to December),” he said.
“Even in the low season, we have seen a 10 per cent increase in international tourist arrivals and a 24 per cent increase in the number of visitors who entered through border gates last month, when compared to the same period last year.”
He said the ministry had relaxed visa requirements, transforming some border gates into international entry gates, and allowing more airlines to fly directly to Myanmar.
He added new destinations would be created in Myeik of Tanintharyi Region, Kayah State and Chin State, as the ministry strongly believed the nation’s tourism industry would grow further in the years to come.
Negotiations with state and region governments are underway, and officials from ministry offices all over Myanmar are making efforts to make it happen, he said.
Statistics show a 23 per cent increase in tourist arrivals from April to July 2017, compared to the same period last year, bringing the total number of visitors to 1.06 million over the first four months of fiscal year 2017-18.
Last year, Myanmar received only 2.9 million tourists, declining from 4.6 million in 2015. However, the ministry claimed the number excluded foreigners using the border gates and day trippers. It changed the counting system for more accurate data.
The official hinted Myanmar may allow home stay for foreigners in the near future. Currently, the nation does not allow foreigners to stay at locals’ houses according to its legal framework. But similar kind of stay is allowed at some villages to promote its community-based tourism (CBT) initiative.
“Even in CBT villages, we do not allow foreigners to stay under the same roof with locals. But we allow them to stay in separate buildings in the same compound where locals live. It can therefore be assumed as a Burmese style home stay,” he said.
“We are fully aware that home stay is also practised in other countries. So we are negotiating with respective state and region governments to promote CBT in all provinces. We are also trying to enact some rules and regulations which will allow foreigners to stay at the homes of locals in accordance with Myanmar customs and traditions.”
Community-based tourism was first introduced in Indawgyi Lake of Kachin State in 2013. To date, 11 rural areas in Myanmar have been designated as CBT villages.
Tint Thwin said the recent sectarian violence and tensions in Rakhine State would not stop Myanmar from becoming a new destination in Asean. Yet, he admitted there could have some impacts due to news reports in international media.
Recently, there have been cancellation of bookings for Myauk U tours due to visitors’ concerns.
The ministry recently announced that Myanmar is still a very safe country for foreign tourists, and all tourist sites including sunny Ngapali beach and the ancient temple ruins of Mrauk U remain safe.
