Agents provide input on Myanmar tourism bill

YANGON  Travel agents are urging the government to take their views on board when adopting new tourism laws.
Myanmar Times quotes the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism director, U Tint Wai, saying the ministry will consider suggestions made by industry professionals and will try to incorporate them in the new law.
The ministry met with travel professionals to discuss the tourism draft law last week in Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Naung-Oo, Taunggyi and Inle, and officials have also invited suggestions from the trade to be posted on the ministry’s website, he said.
“Detailed information will have to be added to the law and regulations. Some people have already sent us their views, and we’re awaiting more input from others,” the director said.
inside no 3The draft has already been lodged with both the Office of the President and the Union Attorney General’s Office, and will be submitted to parliament with any further amendments for its consideration.
“We hope the new law can be passed this year,” he said.
Nature Dream Travels managing director, Daw Sabei Aung, said she had asked the ministry to consider the need to ensure fair competition based on fair prices, policies and services, as well as the need to safeguard local operators from any negative impact arising from their lack of technological knowledge.
Domestic Pilgrimages and Tour Operators’ Association legal consultant, U Myo, told Myanmar Times that the ministry should take its time in considering all the views before submitting the draft law for parliamentary approval.
“The law will govern our activities for the long-term, so it should be carefully thought through,” he said, adding that ministry officials should also be thoroughly familiar with the text.
According to the tourism ministry, the new law would replace outdated sections of the existing legislation, which was enacted 20 years ago. For example, the fine for infractions in the old law is only K5,000 (USD4.49).
The new law will also speed up and simplify the process of getting government permission for tourism activities.
The Attorney-General’s department will review 52-sections of the draft law based on suggestions from international organisations over definitions. The ministry will consider input from tour operators and then submit the law to Parliament.

sourced:ttrweekly.com