myanmar ministry of tourism

Announcement

To expedite the implementation of Myanmar’s e-government digitization and to support the development of Myanmar’s tourism industry, the Ministry of Immigration and Population launched the e-Visa Website ( evisa.moip.gov.mm ) on 1 st September 2014. Tourist e-Visas and Business e-Visas have been issued electronically.
In support of the economic development of the State, the e-Stay Extension website ( estay.moip.gov.mm ) will be launched on 1 st November 2021. This allows foreigners residing and working in Myanmar who have entered Myanmar via the e-Visa (Business) obtained from the e-Visa website to apply for a Stay Extension and Re-entry Visa online.
Plagiarisms of design and information displayed on the website or any part of the website, along with any misleading conduct in Myanmar or in foreign countries will be subject to legal action in accordance with the existing laws of Myanmar.

Our Services

Get evisa approval within 4 steps.

Fill in the secure online eVisa form Confirm and pay Get approval letter Get visa stamped upon arrival

Ongoing Application

Use Ongoing Application and continue from where you left off without filling up all the detail again. Pay the visa processing fee and get your application submitted in few clicks.

eVisa Status Enquiry

Using your eVisa Application Number or Passport Number, you can track your application status easily.

Notice! Please Read.

Please make sure to read all the important notices before you apply eVisa. We would like you to have enjoyable journey to Myanmar.

Myanmar Embassy

Need to visit or find out nearest Myanmar Embassy? View the complete list of the Myanmar Embassies around the world and find nearest one. The list included are subjected to change without any notification.

Visa Processing Fees & Available Port of Entries

Type of Visas available for eVisa. eVisa is currently processing only for selected Port of Entries listed in detail page.

Temporary Suspension

In light of the evolving COVID-19 situation and rapid increase of COVID-19 cases around the globe, there will be a temporary suspension for all new e-Visa applications. This will take effect on [START] Myanmar Standard Time (GMT +6:30) to [END] Myanmar Standard Time (GMT +6:30). Please refer to this page for any further updates and to contact us if you require any further information. We thank you for your kind understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused. Ministry of Immigration and Population

All Articles
Life & Style
Magazine Covers
New Openings
Activities-Directory
Art&Stage Listings
Business Listings in Yangon
Restaurant Directory
Nightlife Listings
Travel Listings
Wellbeing Listings
Nay Pyi Taw
Southern Myanmar
Advertise with us
Work for us

$Your Guide to What\'s On$

Myanmar Tourism Strategic Recovery Roadmap 2021 – 2025 (MTSRR)

Myanmar Government has now issued its Myanmar Tourism Strategic Recovery Roadmap (MTSRR) . Based on the previous Tourism Master Plan (2013-2020), the MTSRR is a response to COVID-19 and aligned with UNWTO Global Guidelines to Restart Tourism . The Roadmap will integrate and expand the new six-pillar Tourism Master Plan outline, and all State and Regional Tourism Committees (RTCs) will develop their own State and Regional Master Plans to reflect the actions in the MTSRR.

The MTSRR includes

A new proposed structure for tourism in our country to be more inclusive and benefit more of the less well off of our citizens, whilst building a framework for new destinations and products.
Action scenarios and the need for change.

About the MTSRR

The impact of COVID-19 is not just about GDP or the economy: it is about our lives and livelihoods. The overriding imperative of our government is to safeguard people’s lives and to safeguard their livelihoods by prioritising health and by supporting our people and businesses affected by lockdowns and loss of income.

Mission for Recovery

To provide a response to COVID-19 aligned with UNWTO guidelines, based on the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan, for Recovery and Future Development of a Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Sector in Myanmar.

Goals for Recovery

Immediate – Restore confidence to boost and restart the domestic industry
Medium Term – Rebuild Visitor Demand and Improve Product Offerings
Long term – Develop a more resilient, balanced, responsible, and sustainable tourism sector

Strategies & Actions

The MTSRR provides a series of Strategies and specific Actions in order to achieve Immediate, Medium, and Long-Term Goals. There are a total of 18 Strategies, which are divided into 80 specific Actions. The Strategies and Actions are not static and will be constantly reviewed and changed, the uncertainties around COVID-19 are a reality of the need for constant change and review.

Immediate Strategy: Restore confidence to boost and restart the domestic tourism sector

Enhance health and safety protocols to generate trust in Myanmar as a safe destination
Continue economic support to MSMEs and individuals in the tourism sector
Reassure and inspire the public to travel again and explore new experiences
Re-align tourism destinations to “the new normal”
Develop Human Resource Capacity and strengthen skills and knowledge for the new normal

Medium-Term Strategy: Rebuild Visitor Demand and Improve Product Offerings

Establish Myanmar as a trusted and safe destination
Position Myanmar in the heart and minds of International travellers
Diversify the tourism product base, improve quality and strengthen protected areas
Support MSMEs through digitisation, tourism investments and technical assistance
Set national tourism standards, ensure access to learning and create new tourism jobs
Develop destination management strategies, standards and guidelines for DMOs

Long-Term Strategy: Develop a resilient, balanced, responsible, and sustainable tourism sector

Establish A Smart Tourism Ecosystem and digital infrastructure
Establish a “Myanmar Tourism Board” for coordination of Marketing & Communication activities
Strengthen tourism human capital by establishing pathways to higher education and by updating the national HRD Strategy
Improve tourism connectivity and accessibility
Ensure destination management is inclusive and in consultation with local stakeholders
Invest in developing and expanding the scope of Inclusive and Community-Based Tourism
Safeguard tourism resources and prevent negative impacts on social and natural environment

Download MYANMAR-TOURISM-STRATEGIC-RECOVERY-ROADMAP-23.10.20 and see MOHT Facebook announcement here.

You can also use our interactive tool to explore each strategy and action in detail.

Wings & whiskey: Babett’s evening of flavours and fun!

Top Destinations

Top attractions.

Enchanting Discoveries
Destinations
More Attractions

Top Exeriences

Things To Do

Community Visit In Myanmar
Nature and Wildlife
Exploring History & Culture
Food & Drink
Traditional Myanmar
Shopping in Yangon
Events & Festivals
More Experience

Book your Stay

Tour Operators
Restaurants
How to get to Myanmar
Backpacking

Practical Information

E – Guides
Traditional Costume
About Myanmar
Visa & Immigration

Travel Info

Stay safe & Dream of enchanting Myanmar

MYANMAR: UPCOMING FESTIVAL

Inle Lake is usually crowded in September. Thousands of locals and visitors flock to Inle Lake to witness the highly anticipated Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival that features enshrined Buddha images. Offer donations to the pagodas and watch locals sing and dance to folk songs, and watch the thrilling one-legged boat race participated by male locals. Manuha Pagoda Festival is also celebrated in September, with locals parading the streets with offerings and paper figurines of Lord Buddha’s reincarnations.

CHECK OUT THESE TRAVEL ITINERARIES

BEST EXPERIENCES

SHWEDAGON PAGODA IN YANGON OR THE ENCHANTING OF THE SENSES

A trace of past time through remaining buildings

The Pleasure of Travelling in Myanmar

Taukkyan War Cemetery dedicated to allied losses during WWII near Yangon

SOLEMN REMEMBERANCE –

Treasure of myanmar, good to know, explore further.

Office (33), Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar

+95673406458, +95673406247 +95 673 406 129

© COPYRIGHT 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Establishment & Background

The Myanmar Tourism Federation (MTF) was established in April 2011 by the Myanmar Hoteliers Association, the Union of Myanmar Travel Association and Myanmar Tourism Marketing, with the blessing of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. It currently has 11 associate members.

MTF is a member of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) and of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI).

No.4, Corner of Merchant Road & Sandaku Road, 3 Ward, Botahtaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel : +95 1 203861, 203862 Fax : +95 1 203863 Email : [email protected]

Int'l volunteers

Other tourism sites.

www.tourism.gov.mm www.myanmar.travel www.visitmyanmar.cn

Government Organizations
State Administration Council
Union Government Office
Office of the Auditor General of the Union
Union Civil Service Board
Naypyitaw Council
Central Bank
Revenue Appellate Tribunal
တပ်မတော်ဆေးတက္ကသိုလ် အမျိုးသမီးဗိုလ်လောင်းခေါ်ယူခြင်း
တပ်မတော်ဆေးတက္ကသိုလ်ဗိုလ်လောင်းခေါ်ယူခြင်း
တပ်မတော်နည်းပညာတက္ကသိုလ်ဗိုလ်လောင်းခေါ်ယူခြင်း
စစ်တက္ကသိုလ်ဗိုလ်လောင်းခေါ်ယူခြင်း

Licence or Product Purchase Required

You have reached the limit of premium articles you can view for free.

Already have an account? Login here

Get expert, on-the-ground insights into the latest business and economic trends in more than 30 high-growth global markets. Produced by a dedicated team of in-country analysts, our research provides the in-depth business intelligence you need to evaluate, enter and excel in these exciting markets.

View licence options

Suitable for

Executives and entrepreneurs
Bankers and hedge fund managers
Journalists and communications professionals
Consultants and advisors of all kinds
Academics and students
Government and policy-research delegations
Diplomats and expatriates

This article also features in The Report: Myanmar 2019 . Read more about this report and view purchase options in our online store.

Myanmar attracts growing number of tourists

Myanmar | Tourism

Myanmar has emerged in recent years as a sought-after tourist destination in a region known for its tourism attractions. Since the country opened its doors through political reform in 2011, many have been attracted to its diverse landscapes, rich culture and heritage. While infrastructure challenges remain, and low hotel occupancy rates affect many small businesses, a decline in visitors from Western countries has had the biggest impact on the industry recently. However, damage has been limited by an increase in tourist numbers from elsewhere in Asia, which has been aided by policy developments offering visas on arrival and visa-free entry to visitors from many Asian countries. The next phase of growth will require better marketing of Myanmar’s attractions, with the suggestion that visa-free entry be extended to more countries a promising option. Sitting at the crossroads between India, China and South-east Asia, Myanmar is well positioned to capitalise on tourist flows from and through these huge markets.

Government Participation

Tourism development is considered a priority in Myanmar. “The government now understands the importance of the sector and sees tourism as one of the major motors of the economy in the coming years,” U Win Aung, chairman of tourism group Amata Holding, told OBG.

To attract more tourists from within Asia and increase tourism expenditure, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population has rolled out a series of initiatives, offering simplified visas on arrival to tourists from China and Macau and visa exemptions to Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea and – on a one-year trial basis – Taiwan. These policies were approved in July 2018 by the Central Committee for the Development of the National Tourism Industry (CCDNTI) and took effect on October 1, 2018. At the close of the year it was too early to evaluate the impact the policy would have on arrivals, but it is expected to be popular with tourists from some of Myanmar’s biggest source markets. The initial announcement of the policy stated that tourists from China, Japan and South Korea must show that they are carrying $1000 in cash on arrival; however, this requirement was waived after widespread criticism from the industry. Further efforts to ease travel procedures were evident with the cancellation of the arrival and departure card system in September 2018.

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism (MoHT) is tasked with overseeing the systematic development of the tourism industry in Myanmar. The main structural policy guiding their work is the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan 2013-20. It acts as an overarching framework to direct policy development and implementation for the industry, aiming to steer the country towards sustainable and responsible development, and ensuring tourism has positive economic multiplier effects. The plan also identifies areas that need to be addressed, such as inadequate tourism infrastructure and the protection of cultural heritage. Also playing a key role in tourism management is the Myanmar Tourism Federation (MTF), a group of 11 tourism-related business associations that facilitates communication between the government and the private sector, promoting Myanmar abroad as a tourist destination.

Legislative progress has occurred with reforms seeking to attract foreign investment in travel and tourism, and other promising sectors. The Companies Law came into effect in August 2018, permitting foreign ownership in any Myanmar company up to a threshold of 35% (see Trade & Investment chapter).

Tourism Growth

Tourism continues to grow in Myanmar, with the overall number of visitor arrivals on the rise. According to the MoHT, Myanmar received 3.44m international visitors in 2017, an uptick of 18% compared to 2016. As of October 2018 the total number of arrivals for the year stood at 2.84m, a slight increase when compared to the 2.81m who arrived over the same period in 2017. However, this figure includes a significant number of day-trippers who cross from neighbouring China and Thailand for shopping visits and visa runs. In terms of longer visits, the MoHT noted approximately 1.24m visitors for the first 10 months of 2018, up 1.4% year-on-year (y-o-y).

While tourism is still at a nascent stage, the rate of growth notably slowed in 2017/18. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi addressed the slowdown in a speech to local media outlets in August 2018, stating the need for easier visa processes, an expansion of transport infrastructure, more low-budget accommodation such as guesthouses and cheaper hotels, and further diversification of activities and dining options for tourists. The relatively small number of international air carriers serving Myanmar have a tendency to operate at overcapacity, with the consultancy group CAPA – Centre for Aviation finding that international load factors averaged 60% in 2017. Yangon International Airport recorded the slowest growth rate in air passenger traffic for five years in 2018. Progress in addressing these challenges is already being made through the offering of visas on arrival and visa exemptions, while the passing of the Tourism Law is expected to address many other areas of concern (see analysis).

Rise & Fall

The composition of travellers to Myanmar is changing. According to data from the MoHT, most of the increase in tourism is stemming from Asia. Between January and November 2018 total visitors from this region equalled 945,022, a y-o-y increase of 10.91%. This included a 38.1% surge in arrivals from China, and a 7.2% jump from Thailand – the country that the largest proportion of visitors originate from, at 27.7%. Conversely, the number of arrivals from Western countries has decreased, with Western Europe and North America recording a y-o-y fall of 25.33% and 13.81%, respectively. Arrivals from the Middle East also fell by 15.1%.

The decline in Western visitors can be partly attributed to the fallout from unrest in Rakhine State, which has generated negative international media coverage. The impact of their shrinking numbers is being especially felt by small and medium-sized businesses, which depend on Western markets. The director of the MoHT, U Myo Win Nyut, told local media that over 100 small tour operators had halted business and returned their operating licences. Nevertheless, the Rakhine crisis has not had the impact expected due to increasing demand for hotels and tourism services from Asian travellers. “Actually, we did not suffer much since the number of tourists did not decrease, just their origins varied,” Daw Tint Tint Lwin, CEO of tourism and transport company Tint Tint Myanmar, told OBG.

Expenditure & Employment

Data from the MoHT shows that tourists spent a total of $1.96bn in Myanmar in 2017, with an average of $153 per person per day, a drop from the 2016 figures of $2.19bn and $154 per person per day. The decline in expenditure is understandable due to a drop in tourists’ average length of stay from 11 nights in 2016 to nine nights in 2017. According to Oriol Mayol, sales and marketing manager at tour operator Pegu Travels, this can be attributed to the fall in Western visitors. “Western tourists tend to stay longer, while tourists from within Asia only stay for three to four days, which is not as beneficial for the sector,” he told OBG. Furthermore, many tourists from Asia arrive on low-budget tour packages and do not hire local tour guides or use local operators. While such groups do not create substantial economic multiplier effects, they help to keep the industry ticking over. “This market has shorter length of stays, but they are repeat customers,” Daw May Myat Mon Win, chair of the Myanmar Tourism Marketing Association and vice-chairman of the MTF, told OBG.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2017 the total contribution of travel and tourism to Myanmar’s economy was $4.9bn, or 6.6% of GDP. Its direct contribution to GDP was 2.7%, which the WTTC expects will grow to 2.9% by 2028. Considering the wider effects of investment, the supply chain and induced income, the sector’s total contribution is forecast to expand by 7% per year to $10.1bn, or 7% of GDP, by 2028. There were 570,000 people working in tourism-related jobs in 2017, making up 2.5% of total employment. This number was expected to rise by 2.2% in 2018 to 582,500. By 2028 the sector is forecast to directly account for 914,000 jobs, an average increase of 4.6% annually over the next decade.

Poor quality and low-capacity infrastructure continue to be a barrier for the further development of tourism, but the government is hoping that public-private partnerships will help to fill financing gaps. The Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA), tasked with promoting and managing investments, recorded $116m in foreign direct investment in the hotel and tourism sector in FY 2016/17. However, the DICA’s director-general, U Aung Naing Oo, commented to local media in September 2018 that the country had initially underestimated the economic impact of the Rakhine crisis, adding that prompt action was needed to address investors’ concerns.

The hotel industry, for its part, is undergoing a rebalancing scheme. Following a boom in hotel construction in 2012 and continued development of projects thereafter, many in the industry are facing low occupancy rates, especially given the downturn in the number of Western visitors. According to a second quarter 2018 report by Colliers International Myanmar, the room rental occupancy rate in Yangon was 47%, which, while low, is a six-percentage-point increase from the same period the previous year.

Despite low occupancy rates, investment continues to rise in anticipation of future growth. According to the MoHT, there are 1676 hotels and 67,350 rooms available across the country for tourists. In 2017 there were 33 completed foreign hotel and commercial projects, creating a further 6241 rooms. Another 11 projects were under construction and 20 received permits to progress. Most of these investors were from Singapore, accounting for 32 of the projects, with 12 from Thailand and six from Japan. The majority of new hotel builds and new room additions have been for 4 and 5-star hotels, such as the 74-room Yangon Excelsior, which opened in July 2018 after the renovation of a heritage building once housing a British colonial trading firm. However, this has left a gap in the market for more affordable accommodation, which there is high demand for. The 3-star Hotel G Yangon, has proved successful despite opening in a difficult period in September 2017.

The Directorate of Hotels and Tourism oversees the development of hotel zones and hotel project developments, and issues licences for accommodation and tour businesses. The hotel zones were initially set up to shift developments away from the ancient city of Bagan and culturally protected areas, although developments are still commencing within these cultural zones. The Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library, a division of the Ministry of Culture, requires that all hotels be relocated to hotel zones by 2028.

Locally Attractive

Domestic tourism in Myanmar has expanded greatly, with the volume of domestic tourists far exceeding the inbound total. The Domestic Pilgrimages and Tour Operators Association calculates the total number of domestic travellers by collecting figures from checkpoints in the most visited cities. Numbers have jumped from 3.1m travellers in 2011/12, to 7.1m in 2016/17, including those on both package tours and private trips. According to the WTTC, domestic travel spending generated 32.4% of direct travel and tourism GDP in 2017, and is expected to grow by 5% in 2018 to MMK1.6trn ($1.1bn).

The rise in domestic tourism can be attributed to an expanding middle class and the increasingly sophisticated consumer tastes of citizens as they become more exposed to global trends. “Many locals have changed their lifestyles and mindsets to seek out adventure, so both domestic and outbound travel has increased substantially,” Daw May Myat Mon Win, told OBG. This has even impacted the religious travel market in the predominantly Buddhist country, as pilgrims increasingly prefer to stay in hotels, rather than monasteries, and combine pilgrimages with holidays.

Most Visited Destinations

The most popular destinations for tourists include Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake. Mandalay, the last royal city of Myanmar, also attracts many local and international visitors, especially from neighbouring China. Beach resorts on the southern coast have likewise experienced higher visitor numbers with the development of luxury resorts.

Most visitors to Myanmar enter through land border gateways, which accounted for over 2m arrivals in 2017, followed by 1.14m airport arrivals in Yangon. Naypyidaw continues to expand, with the capital being promoted as a meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions destination. Tourism facilities in the capital cater to visitors from Asia and to business travellers, with venues such as the Myanmar Convention Centre and an ample supply of hotels. Although some challenges remain, such as the relatively high cost of accommodation and local transport, an increasing number of activities are being offered to encourage more tourists to visit the capital. New restaurants and shopping areas are also opening, and a greater number of organised packages are being made available for attractions such as elephant camps, hot springs and Nant Mon Gyi waterfall.

Promotions & Taxes

Myanmar has expanded and revamped its tourism promotion with a presence at many trade fairs in 2018, and promotions are planned for Spain, Italy, the UK, Germany and Scandinavia. New branding was rolled out in 2018, with the “Be Enchanted” campaign replacing the “Let the Journey Begin” campaign that had been running since Myanmar opened its doors to tourism in 2011/12. The new campaign seeks to promote a positive image of Myanmar abroad. The slogan was chosen through a survey conducted in April 2018 at Yangon International Airport; respondents agreed that the campaign encapsulated the “mysterious, curious and magical” image of Myanmar, as well as the kindness and warmth that visitors receive. The MTF named Yangon-born Japanese singer and actor Win Morisaki a brand ambassador in August 2018, with his promotion of Myanmar as a travel destination expected to boost visitor numbers from Japan to 200,000 per year, according to U Ohn Maung, minister of hotels and tourism. This would be a substantial increase from the 93,294 Japanese visitors who arrived in the first 10 months of 2018, a figure up 1% y-o-y. The MoHT had a total budget of $1m for tourism promotion in 2018. The MTF has asked the state to impose a bed tax on visitors to fund tourism promotion, equivalent to $1 per night for international tourists; however, this is likely to displease budget hotels and may deter visitors.

Source Markets

The largest source markets for Myanmar are Thailand, China and Japan, accounting for 20.1%, 15.6% and 7.45% of arrivals in 2017, respectively. However, ties with its nearest neighbours are progressing, and there is potential for Myanmar’s tourism industry to capitalise on the large flow of international tourists through South-east Asia, as well as the substantial rise in outbound travel from China and India.

While Indian visitors accounted for 3.05% of arrivals in 2017, the signing of the Land Border Crossing Agreement in May 2018 officially opened the land border that Myanmar shares with India, which should see more Indians travelling to the country for business and tourism. The Indian government is undertaking construction work and upgrades on 69 bridges from the Second World War era that stand along this border. The agreement not only increases trade and commerce opportunities for Myanmar, but also expands India’s ties with South-east Asia. However, more work is needed to ease travel flows, including the signing of a motor vehicles agreement, so that citizens of both countries can drive across the border. Headway has been achieved on other fronts, with visas on arrival extended from Indian business travellers to tourists following a deal penned on December 1, 2018. Under the agreement, visas on arrival will be granted to all Indian travellers arriving through the Naypyidaw, Yangon and Mandalay airports. This follows a reciprocal visa-on-arrival policy agreed in September 2017 for Myanmar tourists visiting India. Connections between Myanmar and Laos, meanwhile, have also progressed with the opening of the Myanmar-Laos Friendship Bridge in 2015 and other checkpoints, allowing both nations’ citizens to move more easily. Tour operators are thus developing itineraries that include travel between Myanmar and Laos.

Many in the industry are pushing for Myanmar to extend visa-free entry to Western countries to boost their visitor numbers, with the MTF having put the proposal to the CCDNTI. “Asia is our test run for new visa exceptions, but we are lobbying for these to be extended to more countries,” Daw May Myat Mon Win told OBG. Speaking on behalf of the MTF, she said opportunities in new markets were being explored, with many tourism firms looking to start promotion campaigns in Australia, New Zealand and the US.

Niche Segments

Efforts have been made to develop responsible tourism initiatives, most notably with the Ecotourism Policy and Management Strategy for Protected Areas 2015-25. As of yet, little progress has been made in developing this in practice and more awareness is needed locally. However, initiatives are under way, such as the UN Environment Programme’s partnership with Myanmar Responsible Tourism Institute and Thant Myanmar, which provided training to hoteliers on plastic reduction. The training, which took place in Bagan, Mandalay and Naypyidaw, helped hoteliers identify their individual plastic footprints and set up ongoing action plans and commitments for 2019. “Myanmar holds a great deal of promise in ecotourism, and therefore the focus should be on developing unique tourist resorts, experiences and itineraries that can showcase the country’s pristine natural attractions,” Stewart Tong, general manager of strategic investments at the Myanmar tourism-focused Memories Group, told OBG.

Amendments to the Gambling Act are also being discussed by the government and industry stakeholders, which could potentially lead to the proliferation of casino venues and create new tourism revenue streams.

After years of rapid growth, the recent moderation provides an opportunity for the industry to consider how tourism can contribute further to the overall development objectives of the country. While the government has taken steps to improve infrastructure, more needs to be done to upgrade airports, roads and public transport to ease domestic travel and extend the length of stay for many tourists. Arrival numbers vary greatly in high and low season, but tourism operators have begun to offer green season promotions to attract tourists throughout the year, and travel options have diversified to cater to different budgets.

The tourism and hospitality industry needs to ensure that it is generating demand at the same rate it is generating supply to combat low hotel occupancy rates. While the new visa conditions promise further arrivals from key source markets in Asia, there is no easy solution to Westerners’ reluctance to visit during a time of conflict. Improving visa conditions for these visitors would most likely help, alongside renewed efforts in the West to promote the country’s wide-ranging tourist attractions.

Request Reuse or Reprint of Article

Register for free Economic News Updates on Asia

“high-level discussions are under way to identify how we can restructure funding for health care services”, related content.

Featured Sectors in Myanmar

Asia Agriculture
Asia Banking
Asia Construction
Asia Cybersecurity
Asia Digital Economy
Asia Economy
Asia Education
Asia Energy
Asia Environment
Asia Financial Services
Asia Health
Asia Industry
Asia Insurance
Asia Legal Framework
Asia Logistics
Asia Media & Advertising
Asia Real Estate
Asia Retail
Asia Safety and Security
Asia Saftey and ecurity
Asia Tourism
Asia Transport

Featured Countries in Tourism

Indonesia Tourism
Malaysia Tourism
Myanmar Tourism
Papua New Guinea Tourism

Popular Sectors in Myanmar

Myanmar Construction
Myanmar Energy
Myanmar ICT
Myanmar Industry
Myanmar Transport

Popular Countries in Tourism

The Philippines Tourism
Thailand Tourism
Oman Tourism

Featured Reports in Myanmar

Recent Reports in Myanmar

The Report: Myanmar 2020
The Report: Myanmar 2019
The Report: Myanmar 2018
The Report: Myanmar 2017
The Report: Myanmar 2016
The Report: Myanmar 2015

Privacy Overview

Myanmar initiates "One Tourist One Tree" campaign for responsible tourism

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2024-06-17 18:32:30

YANGON, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar has launched the "One Tourist One Tree" campaign allowing international tourists to plant commemorative trees to encourage sustainable and responsible tourism, an official from the Tourism Promotion Department told Xinhua on Monday.

The initiative, jointly launched by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, aims to mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters, he said.

The campaign encourages the tourism sector to contribute to preserving the natural environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with tourism, he added.

The campaign will take place annually from June to November in key tourist destinations such as Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, archaeological site Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Ngwe Saung Beach, and Chaungtha Beach, the official said.

In the first four months of this year, Myanmar welcomed over 430,000 foreign tourists, with the majority coming from China, followed by Thailand, through visa arrangements. ■

MOI News Mobile App

mTube Mobile App

Appreciation for the Establishment of the Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Training Centre (Nay Pyi Taw)

ACCORDING to one of the objectives of the Social Affairs of State Administration Council (SAC), “To elevate the Health and Sports sectors inclusive of all the people, improving the longevity and health of the nation”, the Ministry of Health (MOH), Myanmar, laid down the two objectives, to enable every citizen to attain total life expectancy and enjoy longevity of life, and to ensure that every citizen is free from diseases.

The opening ceremony of the Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and the Medical Training Centre (Nay Pyi Taw) was organized in Naypyitaw on 13 June 2024. The event was attended by State Administration Council Secretary Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dwe on behalf of the Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister, SAC members, Union Ministers, the Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, departmental officials, rectors and professors, Central-level medical superintendents, medical experts, the Ambassadors from the Embassy of the Peoples’ Republic of China, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Charge d’ Affairs from Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, representatives from Embassy from India and ASEAN countries, officials of China and Yunnan CDC, and invitees.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, State Administration Council Secretary Lt-Gen Aung Lin Dwe, on behalf of the Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister, mentioned that “the world countries faced natural disasters and pandemics, and Myanmar also encountered the COVID-19 pandemic that started in December 2019 and Cyclone Mocha in May 2023”. He also highlighted the need to prepare for zoonotic diseases, including new diseases and existing diseases, to enhance the capacity of health workers to conduct preventive measures and responses and to apply modern techniques. He continued that the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention were established in the world countries. In Myanmar, the Chinese government assisted in establishing the Centre for Conducting international-standard disease control, research and human resources development activities as a symbol of bilateral relations.

The Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Training Centre project was undertaken using 330 million yuan in Nay Pyi Taw. The establishment of this Centre can upgrade the health standard of the country, keep abreast with other countries, and implement international health regulations and global health security more effectively. He then talked about the benefits of the China-aided CDC and medical training centre, including the application of GIS and GPS as central public health emergency response unit based on that CDC and medical training centre, research on food security, nutrition, occupational and environmental health and development activities. He continued that this centre is accompanied by medical training so that qualified human resources can be produced.

The officials of the Ministry of Health made observation trips to the Jiangsu Provincial Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to be able to establish this centre that includes biosafety level 1, 2 and 3 laboratories, international standard laboratories, disease prevention and control systems, and a facility that can accommodate about 200 trainees, while another one training hall that can accommodate 200 trainees, one training hall that has capacity for 100 trainees and four halls for 50 trainees each. Moreover, 35 lab experts were also sent to Jiangsu CDC for six months for theoretical and practical sessions. Practical sessions will also be held with Chinese experts after the opening of this centre. The centre will showcase historical records of Myanmar’s health sector for the health workers, people and students so as to know historical evidence. Then, he expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and its people, officials of the China Communications Construction Company – Third Harbour Engineering Co Ltd, experts of Jiangsu CDC and officials of the Ministry of Health for their support and assistance in establishing this centre on behalf of the government and the people.”

Chinese Ambassador Mr Chen Hai clarified this Centre and played a video clip of the centre. The Chinese ambassador handed over the documents for the Centre to the Union Minister, and the latter gave a certificate of gratitude and appreciation in return. The construction of this Centre started in 2021 as a symbol of Myanmar-China friendship. It was completed in May 2024 and inaugurated on 13 June 2024.

Establishing the Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and the Medical Training Centre (Nay Pyi Taw) represents a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare development. This institution will play a crucial role in enhancing Myanmar’s capacity to manage and prevent diseases, milestones of public health success (Public Health Museum), improve public health infrastructure, and also provide advanced medical training.

This Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Training Centre is designed to accomplish several critical functions within the public health domain; Disease Surveillance and Monitoring, Outbreak response and preparedness, Public Health Research, Training and Capacity building.

The support of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to this Centre has been essential in strengthening Myanmar’s public health infrastructure and capacity to manage infectious diseases. This support is to enhance health cooperation with Myanmar and its neighbors and contribute to regional health security. The PRC has provided specialized training for Myanmar’s healthcare professionals. These programmes focus on disease surveillance, outbreak response, laboratory techniques, and public health management. The Chinese public health experts have visited Myanmar to share their knowledge and expertise. These exchanges help in building local capacity and fostering collaboration between the two countries’ health sectors.

The Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Training Centre is composed to be the backbone of the country’s efforts to combat infectious diseases and respond to public health emergencies. It will enable better surveillance, research, and response mechanisms, ensuring that outbreaks are quickly identified and contained. This Centre’s establishment reflects a commitment to strengthening the nation’s health security and protecting its population from health threats.

This Centre will be instrumental in building a skilled healthcare workforce. By offering specialized training and continuous professional development, this centre will help bridge the gap in healthcare expertise and ensure that medical professionals are well-equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques. This will not only improve patient care but also contribute to the overall advancement of the healthcare system in Myanmar.

Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Training Centre will foster a more robust public health infrastructure, capable of addressing both current and future health challenges. It symbolizes a proactive approach to healthcare, emphasizing prevention, preparedness, and education. The investment in these facilities demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy that prioritizes the well-being of Myanmar’s citizens and puts the groundwork for a healthier future.

In addition, the establishment of the Myanmar National Centre for Disease Control and Medical Training Centre is a creditable initiative that will significantly enhance the country’s public health landscape.

By Dr Than Lwin Tun, Ministry of Health

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar

Daily Archives: June 18, 2024

Ambassador of sri lanka to myanmar presents letters of credence to the chairman of the state administration council and prime minister of myanmar.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Myanmar Prabashini Ponnamperuma presented the letters of Credence to the Chairman of the State Administration Council of Myanmar, Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on 11 June 202 ...

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC hosts a reception and dinner for the US Tour Operators Association to promote Sri Lanka as a key tourist destination

The Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United States in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) hosted a dinner reception for the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) on 11 June 2024 at ...

Sri Lanka and China successfully conclude the 13th Round of Diplomatic Consultations in Beijing

Sri Lanka and China concluded the 13th Round of Diplomatic consultations on 17 June 2024 in Beijing. The consultations were led by Secretary, Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Aruni Wijewardane and Vice Minister of Foreign ...

Business Forum in Brisbane– “Resilient & Rising: Leveraging Sri Lanka’s Potential”

At a time when Sri Lanka is exploring the means to support economic diversification, business innovation and promote inclusive and sustainable growth, Sri Lanka-Australia Chamber of Commerce and the Chartered Account ...

Global New Light Of Myanmar

Myanmar's oldest english daily.

Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development implements smart villages »

Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development implements smart villages

June 17, 2024
Global New Light of Myanmar

The Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development plans to implement 40 smart villages under the Smart Village Project this financial year. The Smart Village Project aims to narrow the development gap between urban and rural areas, improve living standards for rural residents, and strengthen the local economy. It began as a five-year initiative starting from the financial year 2022-2023, with 43 villages already implemented in its inaugural year. In the subsequent financial year of 2023-2024, officials expanded the project to 45 villages, and an additional 40 villages are slated for implementation in the current 2024-2025 financial year. To ensure ongoing success, the relevant committee and local communities are closely monitoring operational management in these villages. Collaboration among the Department of Cooperative, the Department of Rural Development, the Department of Small-Scale Industries, and other related departments is critical. They work in concert in field supervision, provide necessary technologies, and address project challenges as they arise. — TWA/KZL

Subscription for Print Version

Please fill in the form and our colleagues will get back in touch with you soon..

Mobile Number

E-mail Address

India starts to import Myanmar maize duty-free

Camera traps capture rare fishing cats in Kyonekapyin Conservation Area

Taungthaman Bridge and Lake draw 100,000 daily visitors in rainy season

Martyr’s Day special exhibition to be held at Bogyoke Aung San Museum (Yangon)

Myanmar participates in Chile-CPR to ASEAN meeting

DPM MoFA Union Minister receives Chinese Special Envoy for Asian Affairs

New infrastructures of health sector in Yangon opened

Bago River Crossing Bridge toll gate to get QR Code system

Union Information Minister visits iconic sites in Kunming

Myanmar forestry officials to observe ASEAN Heritage Parks in Indonesia

Access to computers in MLCs provide Myanmar children and teachers alike with new skills in computer literacy.

UNESCO and partners provide emergency support for migrant children on the Thai-Myanmar border

It's a computer class, at first seeming commonplace. At the front of the room, a teacher is projecting a screen across which various sentences in English are being typed into a word processor. Students are learning how to use a computer as they type sentences indicating their name, age, and local residence. The exercise seems hardly extraordinary in our increasingly digititalized age. But there is something notable: each laptop is being shared by three or four learners, as though the instrument were an otherwordly commodity.

We are at a migrant learning centre (MLC) in Thailand’s Tak Province, on the border with Myanmar. Many of these migrant learners had never encountered such a digital wonder prior to this sitting.

Not unlike this MLC in Phop Phra District, 62 others, spread across five contiguous border districts of Tak Province—roughly 426 kilometres north of Bangkok—betray similar conditions, while more children are seeking refuge almost daily in Thailand-based MLCs (many run by NGOs and others) amid Myanmar’s ongoing conflict. The 63 MLCs dotting the region, including 20 that boast spartan dormitories, are seeing the enrolment of migrant learners climbing upwards to 14,400 youngsters. More than half of the number arriving are vulnerable children of pre-primary and primary school age.

A class in session at an MLC in Thailand’s Tak Province.

And there seems no end to it. Indeed, one recent surge of migrant children crossing the border represented a 40 per cent rise from those of the previous school year. For some of the luckier migrants, their parents might be working in a local Thai community; for others, parents and siblings remain in Myanmar, despite ongoing conflicts.

In response to these concerning circumstances, the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok (UNESCO Bangkok) and the Thai Ministry of Education’s Tak Primary Educational Service Area Office 2, have been implementing the 'Care and Recovery for Migrant Children' initiative — an ‘Education in Emergency’ project aimed at supporting migrant learners and recovering their learning lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as due to their subsequent absence from school during their arduous journey to a foreign country. The overall project, implemented since 2023 under a humanitarian, development, and peace nexus, has been made possible thanks to generous support from the Government of Japan.

An MLC teacher accessing the internet to prepare a video for his students.

As for the project’s digital learning component, UNESCO Bangkok has provided information and technology (IT) equipment, including projectors and laptops, and ensured internet access to the MLCs while also compiling digital education assets on open-access platforms, all aiming to support teachers and students both now and in the future. In collaboration with the Inclusive Education Foundation , videos and digital learning materials have been especially developed to support learning recovery from school closures, and to further enrich the ongoing learning development of these children.

New video lessons in Myanmar, English and Thai are hosted on UNESCO Bangkok’s LearnBig website and Facebook platforms. This digital education component not only brings benefits to migrant children in Thailand; in addition, it extends cross-border advantages to those remaining in Myanmar, many urgently requiring learning support equal to that being provided children on the Thai side of the border. Perhaps not surprisingly, 60 per cent of those accessing the LearnBig platform were recently doing so from within Myanmar itself only months ago.

Children enjoying an educational video in an MLC classroom.

Recently commenting on the arrival of urgently needed IT equipment, an MLC principal noted,

Students learn better when they see and hear. We have also received laptops, which are very helpful...Most of the students and teachers are not computer literate; so, during the upcoming semester break, I will run trainings for teachers on how to use computers in classrooms, and next semester I will include computer classes for the students themselves.

As for the nutritional component of the project, food and related sundries have been delivered to the 20 MLCs with lodging facilities, an operation that provides nutritious meals for some 7,000 children daily. Prior to the project, MLCs could manage to feed children only a frugal breakfast and dinner, thus leaving many to study without nutritious lunches. As a result, hunger often hindered student’s learning progress. In a recent site survey, MLC principals and teachers reported to UNESCO that the project’s provision of meals has improved the student’s attendance rates, academic performance, and overall physical and mental health. Students have also exhibited more interest in their studies due to the introduction of the IT accessories.

Migrant learners now can enjoy nutritious meals allowing them to focus on their studies and thrive.

Lending testament to how the project can change young lives in ways both concrete and morally encouraging, one principal of an MLC recently remarked,

In the past when I woke up, I was always worried if we would have enough to feed the children. I never expected a remote MLC like mine would receive this kind of assistance. Now I no longer have to worry, and I am thankful for the support. I will keep taking care of the children until my very last breath.

The project focuses on delivering urgent assistance to migrant students unable to return to Myanmar due to the ongoing conflicts, and thus remaining in MLC dormitories. For these students, their learning should continue with minimal interruption, even as MLC material infrastructure is upgraded, such as with the renovation of kitchens, bathrooms, classrooms, and the dormitories themselves.

Rika Yorozu, Education Programme Specialist, at UNESCO Bangkok, remarked of the ongoing project,

Providing the migrant children with emergency support ensures that they can continue their education in a safe environment, and together with other children. It is important that they can catch up on months and years of disruptions they faced in accessing school due to the ongoing situation in Myanmar and the pandemic. UNESCO highly values the efforts that principals and teachers of MLCs are making for the children, as well as the efforts being made by the Thai Government. We are also thankful to the Government of Japan for this very special and critical support.

#Care&RecoveryforMigrantChildren #Literacy&LifelongLearning

More on this subject

Signing of the letter of arrangement for the migrant project

Press release