June 15,2022
A strategic roadmap for Myanmar tourism recovery (2021-2025) has been drawn up that includes 18 strategies and 93 actions in the post-COVID-19 pandemic, and the current, medium and long-term implementation plans will be implemented according to this policy, said Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Dr Htay Aung at the 34th Joint Commission for East Asia Pacific and South Asia held by the World Tourism Organization.
The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is working to develop Myanmar’s tourism industry, and since 2011, Myanmar’s tourism industry has grown rapidly. According to compiled statistics, in 2019, more than 4.36 million tourists arrived. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 0.9 million passengers arrived in 2020 and only 0.13 million in 2021.
The Union Minister said that Myanmar’s tourism industry, like other countries, was affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and is trying to recover as soon as possible. Efforts are being made to turn pandemic challenges into opportunities to become more resilient and revitalize tourism in line with the changing potential of the tourism industry. He added that Myanmar has set policies for the systematic and long-term development of tourism.
Enchanting Myanmar Health and Safety Protocols (HSP) certification for the health and safety of hotels and tourism-related industries to build tourism trust in Myanmar is being provided at the region/state level, national and international levels, and the Barrier Free Tourism Plan 2022-2025 is being drawn up to include all in the tourism industry.
Furthermore, tourism awareness activities are being carried out to increase the capacity of those involved in tourism. The Union minister said at the meeting that foreign tourists are allowed to stay in accordance with the rules of COVID-19 as domestic and international flights are being reopened and visa services are resumed currently.
The meeting was chaired by the Maldives, vice-chaired by Malaysia and held together with the Maldives Tourism Golden Jubilee ceremony. The meeting was attended by Tourism Ministers from member countries of East Asia and the Pacific and South Asia, senior officials and representatives from partner organizations. In line with this meeting, the World Summit on Community-Based Tourism will be held on 15 and 16 June. — MNA
