February
18, 2018
Once
the tourism sector is mentioned in Myanmar, it is usually accepted that tourism
industry is concerned with foreign tourists. But when the newly-elected
government took power in 2016, domestic tourists paid a visit to festival en
masse across the country during holidays-short or long- reflecting in the media
as a sign of public interest on domestic tourism. It also symbolizes a relative
relief for the basic human needs of the general public.
I
don’t want to argue that my view is good or bad and right or wrong. Allow me to
explain a little to my readers. My uncle reminded me not to write anything
which I know a little about. When I start to write an article , I take it
seriously not to elude good facts for my readers. Let have a look at our
neighbours (e.g China) where tourism sectors have gained momentum not only in
foreign tourism industry but also in domestic one. Domestic tourists are
visibly led by the respective companies which took them around across their
country by flying their flags. This is an indicator showing China’s economic
development, relative improvement in basic human needs of every household and a
great interest in domestic tourism. Domestic tourism industry in India has not
improved as much as in China even though there is a little difference in terms
of their population and geography.
In
the past in Myanmar few domestic tourists went on a pilgrimage or holidays to
the whole country. After new government took power in 2016, domestic tourism
has increased considerably: people casually paid a visit to famous destinations
even on normal short holidays, making hotel rooms full and run short of food
and drinks in restaurants. If the numbers of domestic tourists to
easily-accessibly destinations 2016 are compared with those in 2017 , it will be
seen an increase of 52% in Inlay, ,46% in Kyaikthiyo Pagoda. 42% in Bagan, 16%
in Mandalay Region and 28% in Sagaing Region. Even though the number of tourist
arrivals to Ngwesaung Beach , those to Chaungtha Beach declined slightly on
account of a major upgrade of the Beach facilities.
According
to reliable statistics of Domestic Pilgrimage and Tourism Service, it is learnt
that there were 7 million tourists in 2016 and 8 million tourists in 2017
respectively. The numbers of tourist from the Government and private companies
are not included in the list. In accordance with comprehensive surveys by World
Travel and Tourism Council, the increased revenues from the foreign tourism
sector were 62.7% and those from domestic sector were 37.3% in 2016. The estimate
of 3.6% increase in 2017 has shown good progress in domestic tourism and it is
and indisputable fact.
Ministry
of Hotels and Tourism should handle both foreign and domestic tourism sectors
on equal footing. The MHT has given the following undertakings on the tourism
sector. With Vice President (2) as Chairman and the Union Minister as
secretary, the Central Committee for the Development of the National Tourism
Industry started its (1/2017) meeting on domestic tourism on 26 April, 2017.
Talks on domestic tourism were held to raise the standards of service to
international levels by all-round supports from other related ministries,
regions and states.
With
active participation in discussions with responsible members from (11) sister
groups, the meeting produced positive results. The Committee held its second
meeting (2/2017) on 21 December, 2017 to implement the resolutions of the first
meeting, with future work programs laid down for the development of the tourism
sector. In addition, the Chairman of the Central Committee discussed with
members from Hotelier Association on Jan 20, 2018 that the guidelines were laid
down on providing enough hotel rooms for incoming tourists and development of
growing domestic tourism. More feedback is needed to meet the demands of
increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists.
The
Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has issued certificates to domestic tour
companies since 1 October 2017 to keep them in proper order, good service and
security for travellors. There are three requirements to obtain these
certificates. Four rules and regulations include life insurance for travellors,
putting fire extinguishers and first aid equipment in suitable places and
transparency on fares concerning routes and services. These certificates have
been issued to as many as 50 pilgrimage tour groups. These groups are
recognized as small and medium enterprises and they will appear as an emergent
power in the tourism sector. It will be successful only in cooperation with
Public Private Partnership.
In
accordance with guidelines outlined by the government, the members from the
Hotelier Association will have to exert efforts for sustainable development of
the Tourism sector. The owners of the houses, hotels or inns should avoid
raising the rent of their prosperities without any reasons. The local populace
will have to take an active participation in the Tourism sector.
Translated
by Arakan Sein
By
Myo Myint Than (Manset Myay)
Ref;
The Global New Light of Myanmar
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