Ministry of Hotels and Tourism

Ministry of Hotels and Tourism

BRIGADIER GENERAL THEIN ZAW

Minister

Ministry of Hotels and Tourism
Union of Myanmar

Myanmar is a destination with its rich and diverse cultural heritage and blessed with natural environment like snow-capped mountains, great lakes and rivers, lush tropical forests, long stretches of unspoiled beaches and archipelagoes. Numerous temples, golden pagodas and monasteries; its 135 ethnic groups, each with their own unique costumes, dialects and customs are fascinating to anyone interested in archaeology, history and ethnology.

Myanmar has great potentials for ecotourism. There are 16 wildlife sancturies covering 2,122 square miles, and three parks covering 760 square miles. For the systematic development of tourism and to generate foreign exchange earnings, Myanmar Tourism Law was enacted in October 1993. The Ministry of Hotel and Tourism has also been formed to lay down policy guidelines for the systematic operation of the Tourism Industry.

There are altogether 477 tour operators, 469 hotels, 1670 passenger transport services and 2790 tourist guides.

Visit Myanmar Year 1996 was Myanmar's introductory celebration for foreigners visiting the country and to accelerate:

    l Generation of foreign exchange earnings
    l Attraction of foreign investment
    l Awareness of Myanmar as an attractive destination and
    l Impetus for the development of the country's tourism infratrusture

The Ministry of Hotels & Tourism is presently encouraging private entrepreneurs in the Hotel and Tourism Industry for the worldwide promotion of Myanmar Tourism. The Ministry takes part in world travel shows such as ITB, WTM, PATA and ATM.