Tourism plan 'to create 1m jobs'

Myanmar’s Ministry of Tourism says its master plan could generate an additional one million jobs for citizens wishing work in the tourism industry. According to data by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, there were about 293,000 tourism-related jobs in 2012.

But the new master plan, currently being draft, could boost the number of jobs to nearly 1.5 million.

“The overall effect will be good because as the new plan covers the whole nation. We have to promote jobs in the tourism industry and we are beginning to implement it,” said Hlaing Oo, director of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

There will be 38 projects under the master plan. The seven-year plan is sponsored by the Asian Development Bank and the Norway Government. The projects would cost US$500 million (Bt16 billion). At present $215.6 million has been received for these.

Six key projects under the master plan include a strategy to develop Myanmar into a popular tourist destination; promote basic infrastructure for foreign travellers; increase the number of qualified places for tourists; improve management; and development in human resources and social organisations. 

Expected to generate over $10 billion in revenue by the 2020, the master plan will focus on key tourist destinations in the country, including Yangon, Mandalay, Inlay, Kyaikthiyoe, Ngapali Beach, Chang Thar Beach, and Nge Saung Beach, Puta O, Myeik Archipelago, the Naga region, Natmauk Taung and Loikkaw. Services for tourists will be mainly upgraded in these regions, according to the plan.

Meanwhile, the opening hours of the Myawaddy-Mae Sot Friendship Bridge will be extended for the convenience of travellers, according to border officials.

As one of the border checkpoints between Myanmar and Thailand, the bridge connects the border towns of Myawaddy with Mae Sot in Tak Province. 

An official at Myawaddy Bridge, who asked not to be named, said: “We have received an official instruction letter from the Kayin State government to extend the opening hours of the Friendship Bridge for the convenience of travellers from both countries. The Myanmar side is ready. We are now negotiating with Thailand.”

Regular opening hours are from 6am to 6pm, but the Kayin State government will now allow the bridge to be opened from 5am to 8pm.