Myanmar faces tourism ills

YANGON Experts warn that Myanmar must prepare for an increase in so-called orphanage and child-sex tourism, problems that are evident in other Mekong Region countries. In a recent news report, Myanmar Times quoted an tourism impact assessment conducted by the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business, the Danish Institute for Human Rights and the Institute for Human Rights and Business. “Children are particularly vulnerable to negative impact from tourism. Lessons from neighbouring countries, particularly Cambodia and Thailand, highlight the importance of awareness-raising at both tour operators and tourist levels to highlight the negative impacts on children,” the report said. inside no 1Myanmar Tourism Federation executive member, U Naung Naung Han, was quoted saying: “Child-sex tourism is already an issue in Myanmar, but not a broad one yet. We have to control it before it becomes a major problem.” He cited recent golf tournaments where players demanded young women partners from a KTV operator who recruited 14-to 16-year-old girls for sexual services. “Child sex is illegal, but cases are occurring, mostly at KTVs. There is no law enforcement for it… and a lack of public awareness,” he said. In addition to the negative impact on children, a massive expansion in tourism also impacted on the environment, the assessment reported. The report suggested the government draw up destination management plans to control and limit tourism’s destructive impacts. According to Myanmar’s tourism master plan, tourism could grow to around 20.4 foreign visitors by 2020, while domestic travel is anticipated to soar up 29.2 million trips. The country is grossly unprepared for this kind of expansion. Myanmar hopes to attract 4.5 million to 5 million visitors this year, up nearly 2 million over 2014. sourced:traveldailynews.asia