NAYPYITAW----- The government has adopted the plan to spend 3 to 4 per cent of the State budget under the COVID–19 Economic Relief Plan with the disbursement of K21.4 billion to 244 tour companies and 339 hotels and lodges so far, Chairman of State Administration Council (SAC) Senior General Min Aung Hlaing addressed at the ceremony to mark th 2022 World Tourism Day at the Myanmar International Convention Centre-II in Nay Pyi Taw on September 27th.
“Moreover, leasing charges for State-owned hotels were suspended for six months and the leasing charge was reduced to 50 per cent for 21 months from April 2020 to December 2021 and allowed an exemption for the licence fee for hotels, motels and tour agencies and tour guides for one year. Currently, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is implementing the strategic roadmap for Myanmar tourism recovery (2021-2025) which comprises 18 strategies and 93 detailed action plans to be able to achieve success in short, medium- and long-term plans. More than 250 million travellers paid visits to global countries from January to May 2022, exceeding some 173 million travellers rather than 77 million travellers in the corresponding period of last year,” said the SAC chairman.
He also added that Myanmar resumed the issuance of e-visa for tourists on 20 May 2022 to seek good prospects for the tourism industry. Hence, it is necessary to make preparations for welcoming international and local tourists in the open season.
“Tourism services for international travellers and home-grown visitors can change much for the State economy and development undertakings. Hence, all sectors must participate in the development
of the tourism sector. Myanmar must cooperate with member countries of the World Tourism Organization to implement projects for climate change, reduction of carbon emission, sustainable development of natural resources and socio-economy, and application of internet technology for the services of the tourism industry. All relevant ministries are to make all the necessary arrangements for travellers to be able to pay convenient visits to the destinations by providing necessary information for tourists in digital technology, and easing the restriction of entry and exit procedures of travellers and health protocols,” said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
