DVB Debate press release on the 'Tourism Flood'

Travel Agency: ‘Official tourism figures are wrong’
“There were not 2 million tourists visiting Burma in 2013. These official figures are wrong, which means future projections will be wrong, which will affect planning and investment,” says Sabei Aung, Managing Director of Nature Dream Agency, in the most recent DVB Debate, which airs on March 16th. Government statistics are based on the number of foreigners entering the country and do not account for returning visitors, or travelers in the country for business.

This week the panel and audience in the Yangon studio debate about who will benefit from Myanmar’s Tourism Flood. The studio generally agrees that more effort needs to be made to ensure local profit from the increase in tourism.

On the panel are Kyaw Swa Min, Executive Member from Myanmar Tourism Marketing Committee; Aye Kyaw, Managing Director of Rubyland Tourism services; Khin Maung Pyone, Treasurer of the Myanmar Hoteliers Association; and Aung Thura, Chief reporter from 7 Day News Journal, who writes on tourism.

High prizes
Panelists discuss whether Burma is ready for the onslaught of tourists predicted this year, and raise concerns about high hotel prices and limited accommodation. Khin Maung Pyone insists that local-owned hotel prices are not unreasonable, and explains building more hotels is not just a question of money, but permission. Kyaw Swa Min agrees more hotel licences are needed, and defends the Myanmar Tourism Federation, saying they are victims of the tourism flood too. However, Aye Kyaw disagrees, saying these problems could be solved if the system is changed. “There are lots of empty rooms available. If the government allowed home-stays, local people could make money and low-budget tourists could afford to visit. Now, high prices are forcing tourists to stay all night in a restaurant”.

Aung Thura says the tourism associations need to tell the Ministry of Tourism the truth, without being afraid. “We’re not afraid,” objects Kyaw Swa Min. “If you’re not afraid, then why are there no senior people here to speak out?” Aung Thura asks. Khin Maung Pyone interjects, explaining that associations are reluctant to speak out only because their ideas are not taken into account. He says they need more power before they can say more. However, Htun Myat from the Myanmar Tourist Guide Association says the ministry will listen if you speak out: “The government announced they will take action on foreign tour guides who work here without a license. They did this because of our association’s demands”.

100% Myanmar
Aye Kyaw contests that foreign investment should be limited, to ensure more opportunities for locals so they can also benefit from tourism. Myanmar currently allows 100% foreign ownership of hotels rated at three or more stars, but he thinks it should be only four or five star hotels. He also objects to the number of joint investments: “There need to be at least some 100% local owned companies.” However, Kyaw Swa Min disagrees: “You need a balanced situation that has benefits for the whole ASEAN community” he says. Environmental magazine, Aung Pin Lae’s Chief Editor, Devi Thant Cin, says the idea of 100% Myanmar owned companies would be good if Myanmar businessmen had a good mindset, but local cronies just use up all the natural resources: “Even the British colonial foreigners took more care than the local people to create sustainable business. They grew new things and had love for the new generation, whereas cronies consume everything and don’t leave anything for the future”.

Kyaw Swa Min says one of the most important things for the future of tourism is peace in ethnic areas. Aye Kyaw insists that getting ethnic people involved with tourism will create security as it would reduce poverty and people will focus on business not weapons.

Sex Tourism
Tin Than Yu, author of a book about ecotourism, says no preparation is being made for sex tourism. There are many concerns that tourism in Myanmar may go the same way as its neighbour Thailand, which has a booming sex tourism industry, and without education and awareness young girls may be at risk. Sabei Aung, agrees, and criticises authorities for not thinking about the future generation. She points out many flaws in the tourism sector, claiming no one knows were the income goes. “I can’t work out if the government are just lacking in skill, they actually don’t know how to do their jobs, or they are trying to encourage crony capitalism,” she says to applause from the audience.

The studio raises concerns about maintaining the ancient heritage of Bagan. Building is supposed to be banned in Bagan’s archaeological zone, but tour guide U Nyi Nyi says there are many examples of hotels being built in these areas.

Watch the episode on dvbdebate.com - the English summary will be online this Wednesday.