Tourism
From The Report: Myanmar 2019
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Myanmar has emerged in recent years as a sought-after tourist destination in a region known for its tourism attractions. Since the country opened its doors through political reform in 2011, many have been attracted to its diverse landscapes, rich culture and heritage. While infrastructure challenges remain, and low hotel occupancy rates affect small businesses, a decline in visitors from Western countries has had the biggest impact on the industry recently. However, damage has been limited by increased tourist numbers from elsewhere in Asia, aided by policy developments offering visas on arrival and visa-free entry to visitors from many Asian countries. Sitting at the crossroads between India, China and South-east Asia, Myanmar is well positioned to capitalise on tourist flows from and through these huge markets.

This chapter contains interviews with U Aung Myo Min Din, Chairman, Myanmar Hotelier Association; and U Ohn Maung, Minister of Hotels and Tourism.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Be enchanted: Heritage, beauty and improved regulations attract a new crop of domestic and regional visitors
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Myanmar has emerged in recent years as a sought-after tourist destination in a region known for its tourism attractions. Since the country opened its doors through political reform in 2011, many have been attracted to its diverse landscapes, rich culture and heritage. While infrastructure challenges remain, and low hotel occupancy rates affect many small businesses, a decline in visitors from Western countries has had the biggest impact on the industry recently. However, damage has been limited…

Analysis

Industry shake-up: Changes to the Tourism Law will generate new opportunities
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After years of delay, the Myanmar Tourism Law was enacted by the Parliament in September 2018. By-laws were being drafted late in the year and are expected to take effect 90 days after enactment. The law replaces the 1993 Myanmar Hotel and Tourism Law, which has been the main legal and regulatory document guiding tourism over the past 25 years. The new law was initially drafted in 2015 but faced delays for a number of reasons, including the election and formation of the new government. Legislators…

Interview

Promoting growth: U Aung Myo Min Din, Chairman, Myanmar Hotelier Association, on improving infrastructure to boost tourism
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Interview:U Aung Myo Min Din What are your expectations for the homestay and ecotourism segments, and how is this likely to impact the market for hotels and lodging houses? U AUNG MYO MIN DIN: I, personally, do not anticipate the inclusion of these two new accommodation categories outlined in the new Tourism Law to dramatically impact the market for hotels and lodging houses. Rather, it is the demand of the tourists themselves that will lead to growth in these segments. The demographic of…

Overview

Meeting expectations: Security and engagement key to further growth in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry
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Countries and regions across the world have long understood the potential of the MICE segment as a vehicle to drive high-value tourism and economic development. In recent decades this has led to significant investment, with nations working to position themselves as centres for the industry, both regionally and globally, aided by greater air connectivity. At the same time, the industry has been shaped by new technologies and rising security concerns, as well as budget constraints caused in part by the 2008 global financial crisis and the lower oil price environment that emerged in mid-2014. Nonetheless, there are plenty of reasons to feel…

Overview

Meeting expectations: Security and engagement key to further growth in the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry
OBG
plus

Countries and regions across the world have long understood the potential of the MICE segment as a vehicle to drive high-value tourism and economic development. In recent decades this has led to significant investment, with nations working to position themselves as centres for the industry, both regionally and globally, aided by greater air connectivity. At the same time, the industry has been shaped by new technologies and rising security concerns, as well as budget constraints caused in part by the 2008 global financial crisis and the lower oil price environment that emerged in mid-2014. Nonetheless, there are plenty of reasons to feel…

Interview

Attractive destination: U Ohn Maung, Minister of Hotels and Tourism, on the reforms taken to increase the number of international arrivals
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Interview: U Ohn Maung To what extent does the new Tourism Law address the concerns of both local and foreign tour operators, and ecotourism players? U OHN MAUNG: The Tourism Law was enacted on September 17, 2018 with the objective of developing responsible businesses. Its focus is on the international marketing of Myanmar as a tourist destination, and it also protects the rights of travellers, including those travelling for business. An objective of the law is to protect the rights of tourism…