The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is implementing the strategic roadmap for Myanmar tourism recovery (2021-2025) which comprises 18 strategies and 93 detailed action plans to be able to achieve success in short-, medium- and long-term plans, said the Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at the ceremony to mark the 2022 World Tourism Day at the Myanmar International Convention Centre-II in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.
The UN World Tourism Organization, formed in 1946 with the aim of enhancing responsible and sustainable tourism development for global countries, aims to promote the tourism industry to become a driving force for economic growth, improve overall sectors and encourage environmental sustainability while implementing the tourism policies and knowledge accumulation process.
This year’s theme of World Tourism Day is Rethinking Tourism as the globe has faced the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence, the tourism industry needs to rethink, react and be resilient to facing challenges.
Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, the tourism industry in global countries including Myanmar almost came to a halt. People relying on tourism and related businesses lost jobs and opportunities.
Since the start of the Covid-19 infection, the government has adopted the plan to spend 3 to 4 per cent of the State budget under the COVID–19 Economic Relief Plan with the disbursement of K21.4 billion to 244 tour companies and 339 hotels and lodges so far. Moreover, leasing charges for State-owned hotels were suspended for six months and the leasing charge was reduced to 50 per cent for 21 months from April 2020 to December 2021 and allowed an exemption for the licence fee for hotels, motels and tour agencies and tour guides for one year.
Currently, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is implementing the strategic roadmap for Myanmar tourism recovery (2021-2025) which comprises 18 strategies and 93 detailed action plans to be able to achieve success in short-, medium- and long-term plans. More than 250 million travellers paid visits to global countries from January to May 2022, exceeding some 173 million travellers rather than 77 million travellers in the corresponding period of last year.
Myanmar resumed the issuance of e-visa for tourists on 20 May 2022 to seek good prospects for the tourism industry. Hence, it is necessary to make preparations for welcoming international and local tourists in the open season.
The tourism industry is beneficial for all sectors. Hence, ethnic people will have a chance to show off their traditions and cultural heritage as well as natural resources to the world. As such, the government and private sector need to cooperate with each other to focus on the responsible and sustainable development of the tourism industry.
Tourism services for international travellers and homegrown visitors can change much for the State economy and development undertakings. Hence, all sectors must participate in the development of the tourism sector.
Myanmar must cooperate with of the World Tourism Organization member countries to implement projects for climate change, reduction of carbon emission, sustainable development of natural resources and socio-economy, and application of internet technology for the services of the tourism industry.
All relevant ministries are to make all the necessary arrangements for to travellers to be able to pay convenient visits to the destinations by providing necessary information for tourists in digital technology, and easing the restriction of entry and exit procedures of travellers and health protocols.
The message of the Secretary-General of the UNWTO was presented through a video clip.
The Senior General presented awards to winners in the Myanmar Innovative Tourism Startup Competition and colour photo contest.
The SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister also presented prizes to winners in the article contest and extempore contest respectively.
Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Dr Htay Aung presented prizes to winners in the university and basic education level essay contests.
The Senior General visited the booths for tourist destinations of regions and states at the exhibition to mark the 2022 World Tourism Day and booths of the Myanmar Tourism Federation and its associates as well as that of the Ministry of Ethnic Affairs. — MNA
