Myanmar's Tourism Ministry Signals Change

A far sighted new government in Myanmar has revealed that it is studying the implementation of several tourist-friendly changes in the areas of hotel development, air access and visas. Policies are in place to develop infrastructure in six regions including Yangon, Bagan, Inle and Mandalay.   U Htay Aung, deputy minister, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, told the Daily that the country’s land allocation and leasing policies are being relooked, including  extending the duration of leases from two to at least five years.   He said: “There are 25 foreign investment-backed hotels here,  and we may see a deluge if some of the policy changes take effect. We now charge US$200,000 or a percentage of gross revenue as a fee, whichever is higher. We are working on a formula that will be attractive to new overseas investors.” According to U Aung Zaw Win, director general, Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, a target to build 24,000 guestrooms in  the budget, two- and three-star categories over the next few years has been set.   Illustrating the destination’s dire need for rooms, he said the country’s 739 hotels were all booked out till March.   Aside from infrastructure, the Daily has also learned that a proposal to scrap tax on all incoming flights has been submitted to the government.