Myanmar launches survive, reopen, re-launch strategies for its tourism industry

“The tourism industry in the 'new normal' will operate in accordance with the ministry's roadmap and in cooperation with related tourism organisations,” he said.

The Myanmar government has been working on a strategic recovery plan for the tourism industry since April and has come up with three phases.

In the first “survival” phase, the government relaxed taxes, reduced licence fees, postponed the collection of rents as well as provided loans for hotels and tourism businesses. The Hotels and Tourism Ministry also provided online training for tourism professionals and staff, discussed new destinations and assessed the tourism market.

The second “reopening” phase runs over three months – June, July and August – and involves the use of standard operating procedure for screening travellers and staff. The government will also promote domestic travel as local destinations have started re-opening this month.

The third phase, which will focus on re-launching the industry, will be implemented over six months to a year and will include new campaigns and long-term plans for reinventing Myanmar’s tourism. The government plans to create a “travel bubble” through bilateral agreements with Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam once the countries reopen.

Myanmar is closed to international travellers until June 15, though Yangon airport remains open for domestic and relief flights.

“We need to start with domestic tourism before opening up to regional countries, followed by long-haul destinations once the Covid-19 crisis eases,” said May Myat Mon Win, chairperson of Myanmar Tourism Marketing.