Nine Key Sites for Development of Tourism in Myanmar

• On 17^th July 2001 a workshop was organised and held at the Asia Plaza in Yangon by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. It was attended by the Minister for Hotels and Tourism Major General Saw Lwin, Minister for Transportation, Deputy Ministers, Managing Directors and other high officials, and also by proprietors of tourism enterprises and hotels, mostly from the private sector.

• The workshop was on the development of tourism in Myanmar with nine key sites selected as tourist destinations. Nine papers were read examining the tourist potential and ways to develop these nine sites, viz. Inle - Taungyi area, Kyaington, Putao, Kawthaung, Chaungtha, Ngapali, Mrauk U, Mandalay and Bagan.

• If we examine these nine sites, they stretch from Putao in the far north in Kachin State to Kawthaung, the southern-most town of Myanmar. They include places of historical interest: Bagan, Mandalay and Mrauk U; also lovely seaside resorts such as Chaungtha and Ngapali. Places like Putao and Kyaington in the Kachin State and Shan State respectively are fairly new destinations for foreign tourists.

• There was much interest in the nine papers presented at the workshop, especially by the representatives of the travel industry. U Aye Kyaw, managing director of Rubyland Tourism Service Company urged that similar workshops should be held at least thrice a year, as he thought that such sessions for discussion are vital for the development of the tourist sector.

• The Minister for Hotels and Tourism reported that there was a 6% rise in the arrival of tourists to Yangon, Myanmar during the period January 1^st to December 31^st 2000, over the previrus year.

• Honoraria were presented to the authors of the nine papers by U Khin Zaw, Managing Director of Tour Mandalay Company. These papers are now being printed for publication so that they are available for use by a wider number of readers.

• A Management Committee for the Development of the Tourism Industry had been formed since 1996. On 13^th August 2001 the Chairman of this Committee, Secretary 1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt addressed a meeting of the Committee held at the Strand Hotel in Yangon. Lt. Gen. Khin Nyunt urged the members to make strong efforts to promote the development of the tourism industry in our country.

• Myanmar is a land endowed with much natural beauty, from the snow - capped mountains of the north to the vast and beautiful coastal regions. She is also a land which has many races (about 135 groups) whose ethnic culture and traditions from colourful costumes to lively dance, music and songs are attractive components for tourism development.

• As peace and tranquility prevails in most parts of our country as never before since the outbreak of the Second World War, more tourists are coming to see a land unspoilt by over development, where the people are warm and hospitable.

• In promoting rapid development of the tourism industry we should try our best not to spoil the natural environment. Myanmar is blessed with having abour half its land area still covered by forests, rich in providing cover to rare species of animals and birds.

• Our ancient cities like Bagan (11^th to 13^th century) and Mandalay (mid 19^th century) have historic pagodas, palaces and other interesting edifices. Good museums have also been established.

• Hotels, motels and guest-houses are now adequate, with modern amenities; security is also much better than in a number of other Asian countries.

• The transportation sector has also been developed with private air-conditioned buses and coaches, private air-lines and even privately run trains and steamers.

• Thus, Myanmar is ready to welcome more and more visitors each year with the development of the tourism industry.

Thaw Kaung