Tourism

According to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism the number of international entrants to Myanmar in 2013 doubled to 2m from the previous year, with data showing that during the first half of 2014 a 40% year-on-year increase in arrivals was also recorded. The government is hoping to channel the industry’s short-term growth into long-term benefits for the country. In June 2013 the ministry unveiled its Tourism Master Plan, which focuses on six main areas including building human resource development, developing quality products and services, and building Myanmar’s brand as a tourist destination. Together with a Tourism Law it was developed to encourage the establishment of sustainable eco-tourism projects countrywide. Myanmar’s rich natural assets and cultural lure have the potential to make the country one of the top tourism destinations in the region. Major upgrades to transport infrastructure as well as hospitality and public services will be necessary to withstand the pressure of the tourism industry on the country’s infrastructure.

This chapter contains interviews with U Htay Aung, Minister of Hotels and Tourism; and Chali Sophonpanich, President, City Realty Company.