THE Myanmar government last week unveiled a new tourism master plan for the country on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Naypyidaw, a joint effort between the government, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Norwegian government.
Funded by the Norwegian government, the plan outlines 39 development projects worth almost US$500 million.
Projects outlined aim to grow international air arrivals to destinations Mandalay and Naypyidaw, improve the Bagan river port, build feeder roads in areas such as Ngapali Beach and Inle Lake, strengthen tourism education and training, and identify US$44.5 million in new training and partnerships.
The plan also calls for tourism police divisions to be set up, as well as a Tourism Executive Coordination Board to bring tourism-related ministries, agencies and federations together under an umbrella organisation. The board will be chaired at the vice-president level.
It also suggests the introduction of pilot community-based tourism initiatives to ethnic communities to prepare locals for and give them control over tourism.
The 1993 tourism law will also be reviewed and updated to streamline licensing formalities for tourism stakeholders, and amend the regulations involving the gaming subsector, labour and the establishment of outbound tour operations for Myanmar citizens.
ADB vice president, Stephen Groff, said: “Tourism will be a pillar of Myanmar’s economy, and it has the potential to create meaningful job opportunities for the country’s people, including those living in poor communities.”
“This plan is a long-term vision, and a solid start to ensuring tourism contributes equitable social and economic development in Myanmar,” he added.
ADB estimates international arrivals will reach 7.5 million by 2020 to bring in US$10.1 billion in tourism receipts, if Myanmar continues with its reforms. Under a high growth scenario, tourism could provide up to 1.4 million jobs by 2020.
Foreign arrivals at Yangon airport stood at 253,136 for the first four months of 2013, up almost 44 per cent year-on-year over 2012’s 175,930, according to figures from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.
