The government of Myanmar is very interested in attracting more tourists to the country. For this purpose, it has launched a partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the government of Norway. Such powerful players will help Myanmar develop a tourism infrastructure plan. The cost of the project is US$500 million.
It has been decided to start from the basics international hubs of the country, without which it is not possible to increase the number of international tourists. The Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw international airports will be expanded. Other places to be improved are the Bagan river pier (a very popular location for river cruises), and roads to such popular places as Inle Lake and Ngapali Beach. In total, the government has selected 38 objects across the country that have to be rebuilt or expanded.
The next step includes the launch of the Tourism Executive Coordination Board. The board will be headed by the politician of the vice president level, and will consist of representatives from different ministries, large travel agencies, federations, etc. The main aim of the board is to develop efficient ways of supporting tourism in Myanmar. Currently, the Tourism Executive Coordination Board considers the creation of special tourist police divisions.
It is underlined that the government of Myanmar wants to develop the tourism sector in such a way that it won’t have a negative impact on environment of the region, and will be socially sustainable.