October 29, 2020
Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Ohn Maung held a meeting with the chairpersons of the Myanmar Tourism Federation and its affiliated organizations through videoconferencing yesterday afternoon. The online meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister U Tin Latt, Director-General for Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Maung Maung Kyaw and officials. The Union Minister said the experts of the World Tourism Organization estimated the industry would be hit by 70 per cent if it could be resumed in October, or 80 per cent in November due to the second wave of COVID-19.
The ministry was coordinating with the relevant associations to implement the COVID-19 Myanmar Tourism Rescue Plan through Surviving, Reopening, Relaunching approach, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 second wave. However, the ministry has developed the Myanmar Tourism Strategic Rescue Roadmap MTSRR (2021-2025) for the next steps in collaboration with the development partner association.
As per the guidance of the State Counsellor and the guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Sports, the ministry is drawing up the Enchanting Myanmar Health & Safety Regime (HSR). It will be implemented in regional, national and international levels. At the regional level, restaurants will be allowed to reopen after the joint inspection of the current regional tourism committees and the Ministry of Health and Sports.
The national level includes the inspection of the certified inspectors the implementation of the regime, which is recognized by the Ministry of Health and Sports. Plaque with the logo of the ministry will be allowed to use and posted on the ministry’s website, and web portal and WTTC Certified will be the international level. The Union Minister added that his office is coordinating with the relevant ministries to remedy the tourism industry during the COVID-19 crisis, and called the federation and its members for their cooperation.
Then, the chairman of the federation explained the new version of organizational rules, The chairpersons of the 11 associations discussed their difficulties during the COVID-19 period and the work plans. Deputy Minister U Tin Latt called on the 11 associations to provide accurate and complete statistics for economic impact mitigation measures caused by COVID-19 and discussed the matters relating to loan and benefits.
Director-General of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Maung Maung Kyaw presented the implementation of Tourism Working Group, recognizing the skills of workers in the tourism sector, implementation of digital marketing and drawing up the Barrier-Free Tourism Pilot Project.—MNA (Translated by Ei Phyu Phyu Aung)
