Myanmar expected to rank high among tourist destinations by 2020

Foreign travellers taking photos of sunset view in Bagan

Yangon May 13

If Myanmar can maintain its status of internationally recognized attractive place in the world for next four years, it may be ranked high in 100 tourist destination countries in the world, according to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

“World Travel and Tourism Council also said that Myanmar may become one of the top countries if it can maintain its tourism development. And we’ll develop and implement master plans to accelerate its development,” said director-general U Tint Thwin of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism.

The director-general has highlighted the need for collaboration among departments, businessmen and local people in tourist destination areas for further tourism boom. He called on preserving cultural identities and heritages as well as the environment and eco-system such as water sources and coral reefs while efforts are oriented towards the development of tourism industry.

He said the ministry will take actions against irresponsible littering and develop nightlife activities to attract tourists.

Among the plans are publishing of tourism data in regions and states, identifying the potential for development of community-based tourism, development of new tourist sites, and promoting capacity building training and promotion of cross-border tours as well as safety measures for tourists and cooperation with locals.

The Myawady Daily