Myanmar parliament on show

NAY PYI TAW  Myanmar’s parliament building will be officially open to visitors, both locals and foreigners, as part of Ministry of Hotels and Tourism’s plan to promote tourism in the country’s capital.
But there are strict conditions and approval procedures that will mean visitors will need to use a local travel agency or acontact to gain clearance to visit the building.
Eleven Myanmar media reported that opening parliament to visitors was part of a tourism marketing plan to improve attractions in the capital after an international airport was opened in 2014 and more than 60 hotels have been built over the last three years.
According to a source at the ministry, the Nay Pyi Taw website will be launched soon to showcase the attractions of the political capital. There are not many attractions other than a temple and its prized white elephants, but opening parliament buildings is a step in the right direction. At present, tour buses stop at the gates of the parliament for a photo opportunity.
On the transport side, Air KBZ started a new domestic route linking Nay Pyi Taw to Mandalay last month, but there are daily tour buses that ferry travellers between Mandalay and the political capital.
The ministry recently announced rules and regulations for parliament building visits. An entrance fee has yet to be decided,. There are no fixed daily opening times inside no 1, or a public gallery for visitors who wish to witness the parliament in session.
The rules mainly focus on security issue. Visitors or tour companies will have to gain approval from parliament authorities three days in advance and state which building they wish to visit at what specific time.
According to local media, students, members of political parties and persons from local and foreign organisations have been already permitted to observe parliament in session on a case-to-case basis. However, to promote the capital in the long-run, a parliamentary tour and an opportunity to see legislators at work during a parliamentary session would have value for visitors particularly those who are interested in Myanmar’s transition to democratic rule.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia