Myanmar to crackdown on illegal tours

YANGON Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism says it will take legal action, later this month, against unlicensed domestic tourism operators that are selling outbound tourism.

Global New Light of Myanmar reported there were 69 unlicensed tour operators that are openly selling outbound travel.

They have been given a final warning to apply for a licence or face prosecution.

A ministry official, U Myint Htway, was quoted saying the ministry was prepared to take legal action against tour companies that ignore the law.

“We have told them to apply for licences. They were given until the end of June to complete applications, and we gave an extension to the end of July after they requested more time…now, their time is up.”

Legal charges will be filed with the courts in accordance with existing hotel and tourism laws. The penalties include fines, a jail term and the possible closure of companies, the report said.

Under the law, anyone who operates a travel company without permission from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism faces a K50,000 (USD42.20) fine or three-year jail term or both.

Currently, 211 companies  are licensed to conduct outbound tours, while 1,980 companies can operate an inbound tour business, according to the ministry’s records.