IFC and Hotels Ministry to discuss tourism promotion
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The International Finance Corporation (IFC) will hold discussions with the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism regarding the need for advertising in the promotion of the tourism industry and financial resources, according to officials.
The two sides have already discussed matters on cooperation programmes with the World Bank, in particular rules and regulations for the tourism industry and investments.
Moreover, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism released a statement on the opening of more vocational training schools and the University of Tourism, as well as the availability of financial aid for hoteliers and tourism entrepreneurs.
The government is now initiating a major seven-year tourism project that will commence in 2013 and run to 2020. It has also been agreed that both Italy and Luxembourg – countries with extensive experience in tourism – will provide technical aid in promoting Myanmar’s rapidly expanding tourism industry.
Japan will also share its technical know-how in the Bagan Region, which is one of the main destinations where government officials hope to see changes that will bolster tourism over the coming months.
More than two million tourists have visited Myanmar in the last year, generating a record US$900 million in national income.
The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism expects more than three million tourists will arrive this year, and has put in place a plan to help meet the needs of the hotel sector, and to also upgrade attractions across the country in a bid to attract more visitors. Last year, the country welcomed 2.04 million visitors and it expects 3 million this year.
The European Council on Tourism and Trade this year handed the “World Best Tourist Destination Award” for 2014, one of the highest accolades in the global travel and tourism industry.
All regions of the country are prepared for development.
It was reported that Natmataung National Park, southern Chin State, is planning an ecotourism promotion to cope with the increasing number of foreign tourists.
Htay Aung, minister for hotels and tourism, recently paid a visit to Kanpetlet Township where the park is located.
Since the park designation in 1997, foreign visitors have flocked to Natmataung, prompting the growth of hotel and transportation industries, but not at a satisfactory level, the minister said.
He called for the involvement and cooperation of local youth in the development of tourism, pledging his ministry to provide necessary training.
An ecotourism businessman noted that Natmataung is a place suggested to UNESCO as a possible World Heritage site and this will attract both local and foreign tourists. If the ministry could improve infrastructure, it will become a prospective tourism site, he said.
Another businessman expects job opportunities for local people, along with tourism growth. “Regional development is really important. Therefore, development tasks should take place in such a prospective destination,” he said.
