Q&A: Myanmar’s tourism ambitions

NAY PYI TAW  U Htay Aung Union Minister of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism Myanmar fields questions ahead of ATF.
Q: Could you explain the role tourism plays in the economy of Myanmar? How did tourism perform over the last few years?
A: “Myanmar’s geographical situation and abundant natural resources will play a vital role in the country’s emerging tourism economy.
U Htay Aung
U Htay Aung
“Tourist arrivals to Myanmar in 2013 increased by 93% to 2.04 million visitors compared to 1.06 million visitors in the previous year. Tourism receipts also increased, notably by 73.4% p from USD534 million in 2012 to 926 million in 2013.”
Q: Since Myanmar’s Government is pushing economic reforms, could you highlight some important policies for tourism development?
A: Tourism is a national priority but it needs to define the policies to develop systematically….we adopted the policies concerning tourism development and launched a “Myanmar Tourism Master Plan (2013 to 2020)” and Policies on “Responsible Tourism” and “Community Involvement in Tourism”. We are developing an “Ecotourism Policy and Management Strategy” with other line ministries and regional development institutes.”
Q: As you mentioned, the Tourism Master Plan is a milestone in the development of Myanmar’s tourism. What is the current implementation status.
A: In the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan we are implementing six strategic programmes over eight years (2013 to 2020). The Master Plan designated 38 fundamental priority projects.
“My Ministry, so far, has been implementing 14 projects of capacity building and the development of destination management plans. These projects cover areas, such as strengthening institutional structures, HRD, the development of destination management plans, infrastructure development, and product and service quality enhancement.
“Last year we reformed the core structure of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and provided HRD and capacity building to all stakeholders in the tourism industry in Myanmar.”
inside no 5“To systematically develop the tourism sector, a Central Committee for the Development of National Tourism, chaired by the Vice President of Myanmar, has been formed.”
“Currently, the Ministry has taken the lead in the setting-up of Destination Management Organisations in every State and region, while aligning the new Myanmar Tourism Law to support tourism development.”
Q: What are Myanmar’s key tourism policies and future tourism development in line with ASEAN’s tourism policy direction?
A: The Myanmar’s Tourism Master Plan and its policies on responsible tourism and community involvement will be the roadmap for the future development of tourism in Myanmar. The policies are inline with the wider ASEAN’s Tourism Policy.
Q: How important is the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the end of 2015?
A: “It is very crucial. ASEAN Economic Ministers declared that 82% of prioritised measures are implemented.
To realise the AEC, the active participation and dedication of the private sector is a must.”
inside no 5.1“That is why the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is conducting seminars, workshops, and symposiums to raise the awareness of AEC by educating and building the private sector cooperation with ministries, the Myanmar Tourism Federation and other travel related associations.”
Q: From Myanmar’s perspective, what are the critical issues that need to be addressed in the new ASEAN tourism strategy?
A: “We attach the highest importance to addressing “Barrier Free Tourism” in the new ASEAN tourism strategy.”
“We should create special equipped barrier free destinations in order to facilitate travel for everyone including the physically challenged traveller.”
Q: What needs to be done to enhance tourism cooperation amongst ASEAN Member States?
A: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”, quoting Helen Keller. Coordination, cooperation and collaboration are vital to ensure there is a common effort and joint planning amongst ASEAN member states.”

sourced:traveldailynews.asia