Report – Myanmar Tourism to Expand with New Multi-Million Pound Strategy

BurmaMyanmar has launched plans to help improve the country's tourism and economy, and includes 38 development projects.

“This master plan outlines a path to welcoming more visitors to Myanmar without threatening our unique cultural heritage or endangering pristine environments,” said U Htay Aung, Myanmar’s minister for hotels and tourism.

Tourism authorities, with the help of the Asian Development Bank and Norwegian government, will expand to international tourists arriving at airports at Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. The plan will help more cruises operate and direct routes leading to Inle Lake, Ngapali beach and other destinations will be built.

Myanmar was prepared to accept a record number of visitors the previous year. Half a million traveled by air and a majority of them were coming from countries like Thailand and China. The number of tourists is anticipated to increase to 7.5 million, resulting in more than one million job offers by 2020.

The country will also pass new bills to keep child trafficking and sex tourism from happening. Tourist police divisions and licensing laws for hotels, restaurants, tour guides and operators are also being planned.

“Tourism will be a pillar of Myanmar’s economy, and it has the potential to create meaningful job opportunities for the country’s people, including those living in poor communities,” said Stephen Groff, the vice president of the Asian Development Bank. “This plan is a long-term vision, and a solid start to ensuring tourism contributes to equitable social and economic development in Myanmar.”

Read the Daily Telegraph's story here.