Germany, France and other EU countries listed for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival – announcement to be made at ITB Berlin 2019. Lifting of visa requirements considered for EU countries and Germany and France lead the list according to the document circulated at the meeting at Inya Lake Hotel on 10 February 2019. Japan, South Korea, Macao, and Hong Kong tourists who hold ordinary passports are already granted visa exemption with effect from 1st October 2018. Travelers are allowed to enter Myanmar through International Gateways such as the international Airports, Seaports, and selected land borders. Other country nationalities who gets a visa exemption period of 14 days include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam. (Source: www.evisa.moip.gov,mm) Visa on arrival is granted for Chinese tourists with ordinary passports at Yangon international airport, Mandalay international airport, and Nay Pyi Taw International Airport. Visa fee US $50 per person will be collected on arrival and allowed to stay for 30 days with no possibility for extension.

Despite a lull in visitor arrivals earlier this year, the Republic is expecting to draw more than 15 million international visitors in 2015.

Singapore Tourism Board chief executive LionelYeo told Reuters in an interview on Thursday (Sep 17) that it is “on target” to achieve 0 to 3 per cent growth in visitor arrivals – or a total of 15.1 million to 15.5 million tourists. July’s numbers rose by 7.7 per cent over the previous year, he noted.

“We are somewhat hopeful that we have turned a corner,” added MrYeo.Visitor arrivals had decreased in the first four months of this year before showing a slight up-trend from May. But arrivals between January and July are still 1.7 per cent lower than those in the same period last year. Inbound tour operators had mixed views on the tourism outlook for the rest of the year, citing uncertain economic conditions.July’s increase in tourist arrivals was mainly due to summer school holidays in neighbouring places such as Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and China, they said.

Siam Express managing director JaclynYeoh said that arrivals from China, one of Singapore’s top markets, have not yet picked up.”There is a lot of uncertainty and (consumers) might want to save their money instead of spending it on travelling,” said Ms Yeah, who felt there was need to tap new markets such as Brazil and Myanmar.

Ms Judy Lum, Tour East Singapore’s group vice-president of sales and marketing, expects more long-haul visitors during the year-end period due to the strengthening US dollar and British pound, even if their numbers are not as high as in previous years.

National Association of Travel Agents Singapore executive director Steven Lek noted the steady stream of tourists from Indonesia and China, and felt confident that “the outlook for the year is bright”.This weekend’s Formula One race has also brought some cheer to hospitality players.

Pan Pacific Singapore general manager Gino Tan said track-facing rooms are fully booked and, with last-minute bookings, the hotel is expecting full occupancy this weekend.

This year, its sales and marketing efforts started earlier and some guests booked their rooms four to five months in advance, he said.Marina. Mandarin Singapore also began its early-bird promotion earlier this year and said its group and corporate bookings have increased from two years ago, despite room rates holding steady.

Even Royal Plaza on Scotts, which is located further from the race track, is expecting full occupancy this weekend. Its rates are about 5 per cent lower than last year’s due to the relatively slow start this year, which “has impacted room rates across the hotel industry”, said chief experience officer and general manager Patrick Fiat.
REF : CHANNEL NEWS ASIA

Yangon Hotel & Guest House
Bo Bo Min
No.A-21/22 Pin Lon Road, Ward (29) North Dagon
Ph-01 8011101

Business Alliance Hotel
No.126/A Dhaman Zadi Road,Bahan Township
Ph-01 524844

Chit Sayar Hotel
No. 127-137 Anawrahta Road, Corner of Lanmadaw Street.
Ph-01 251080

Decent Hotel
No – 69 Dhamar Yon Street,Myayangone bus stop
Ph-01 5016 70

Chan Myae
No.256/276,3rd Floor, Maha Bandoola Garden Street, Kyauktada TOWnship
Phone – 09 73027373, 01 382022

Millennium Hotel
No.7, 54th Street  (Close Strand Road),Botataung Township,Yangon
Phone – 01 299024, 01 9010479, 01 9010480

Mandalay Hotel & Guest House
‘Hotel Sahara Mar lay
80St,Between  26 and 27 Street, Chanaye Tharzan, Mandalay
Ph-02 67313

Hotel Shwepyithar
No-B -8,Beside Mandalay-Pyin 00 Lwin,Between 31 and 32, Chanayetharzan Township Mandalay
Ph-01

Shove P* Hotel
No. 64,39 and 40 Between, Maharaungmyae Township Mandalay.
Ph-02

Ya Htaik
No- 11 0,73Street, Between 28 and 29 Street, Chanayetharzan Township Mandalay.
Ph-02 65775

(Nay pyi taw Hotel & Guest House)
Tungrpuri
No-9/10,Yarzar Thingaha Road,Dekhina Thiri, Hotel Zone Naypyitaw
Ph-067 422020 – 26

Royal Lotus Hotel
No.8 38/39 Yarza Thingaha Road, Kekhina Thiri Township Hotel Zone 1 Naypyitaw
Ph-067 8106170

Great Wall Hotel
Yaza Thingaha Street, Oaktharathiri Hotel Zone Naypyitaw
Ph-067 435010

Yadanar Theingha
4.6,Hotel Zone, Yarza Thingaha Road,Dekkina Thiri
Ph – 067 421911, 421922

Royal Naypyitaw
No-5 Yaza Thingaha Road,Hotel Zone 1 Naypyitaw Ph- 067 414960 Ext:967

Yangon Clinics & Hospital
Asia Royal
No (14), Boho Road, Sanchaung Township
Ph-01530055, 01-537296

Academy
No (335), Lower Kyee Mi8n Daing Road Corner or Ahlone Road,Near of Traffic Light
Ph-01-21288

30 Street Clinic
No (191)/193,G Floor,30 th street upper Block/ Pabetden Township
Ph-01203464,01-203463

Victoria Hospital
No (68) Tawwin Street, 9 mile, Mayangone Tow-ship, Yangon.
Phone – 01 9666141

Mandalay Clinics & Hospital
Royal Hospital
No.47, 31 Street, between 69 & 70 Streets, Chan Aye Thar San Township.
Ph; 02-323 52, 323 54.
E-mail; royalhospital 1990@gmail.com
Web-site: www.royalhospitalmandalay.com

Kant Kaw (Special Clinic)
34 Street, Between 78& 79 Streets, Chan Aye Thar San Township.
Ph; 02-668 80, 681 80, 332 58

Kye Sin Hospital
No. AA(4/), Coner of Theik Pin & 57 Streets. Chan Mya Thar Si Township.
Ph; 02-806 60, 09-2560 79987
E-mail; kyesinhospital.mm@gmail.com

Chan Weir Aung Hospital
No.115, 74 Street, Between 27 & 28 Streets. Chan Aye Thar San Township.
Chan Aye Thar San Township.
Ph; 02-728 85, 728 86, 728 87

Travels & Tours (Yangon)
Oriental Century Travles & Tours
No.40, First Floor, Ye Gyaw Street, Pazundaung Township, Yangon
Phone – 09 73107324

Moo Travels
No. (405) 4th floor, Bldg (b),Peral Condo, Kabaraye Pagoda Road, Bahan Township
Ph-01 8603766

Golden City Hotel No
No(13/B) Ngar Htat Kyee Pagoda Street, Yangon Ph-01-540640

Firefly No
No. 173 Ground Floor, 35th Middle Kyauktada Township, Yangon
Ph-01 391039

Hillft Town
Build 140,5 Floor,Sinn 0 Dan St,Upper Block,Latha Township
Phone – 5.09 260148577,09 260148566

Scenery Myanmar Travels & Tours
No.225,1st Floor(Right),37th Street (Upper),Kyauktada Township,Yangon
Phone – 01 254698,09 252221990

Travels & Tours (Mandalay)
Nice Fare
No 24/B 78 Street, Between 35th and 36th Street, Mahar Aung Myay Township, Mandalay
Ph-02 30833

Star Zone
No 86,35th Street,Between 74th and 75th Street, Mandalay
Phone – 02 62033

San Yadanar Travel
37,Between 41 and 42,Between 83 and 84,Mahar Aung Myay
Phone – 02 35978, 09 2016264, 09 2018625

Easy Go
Ground Floor, 38 Street Between 78 and No: Street, Mandalay
Ph-09 73188588

Different Travels & Tours Co.,Ltd.
No. Chan (694), Between 73 rd, Mandalay
Ph. 09-402603190,09-2028150

Yangon Highway Bus
Yangon-Mandalay
Nan Hfike San     (09 73072228)
Manyarzar    (09 8616217)
Hein Myat Moe     (01-637588)
Shove Kabar    (01 70242)
See Sain Shin     (09 73171675)
YanKyiAung     (0973025169)

Yangon-Taunggyi
Moe Kaung Kin     (01 704685)
Man ]bit Sar    (09 420245566)
New Mandalar Tun     (01 703969)
Thit Sar Oo     (09 73252984)
Bagan Minthar     (09 73238057)

Yangon-Pyin Oo Lwin
Myat Mandalar Tun     (01 636937)
Mandalar Min     (01 700194)

Yangon-Kyeik  Hto
Win     (0973207073)
Yoe, Yoe I ay     (0973254040)

Yangon-Mawlamyine
Shove Sin Sett Kyar     (01 637233)
Universal    (09 73105032)
Soe Moe Aung     (09 8370336)

Yangon-Bagan-Naung Oo
Bagan Min Thar,     (0973238057)
we Myo Tavi     (0973256436)

Mandalay Highway Bus
Mandalay – Mawlamyine
Yadanarpon     (02-615 00)
Yoe Ybe Lay     (09 73254040)

Mandalay –Bagan – Nyaung Oo
Mandalar Min    (02-789 91 / 09-680 7272)

Mandalay – Larsho
Shove Taung Paw     (09 43180005)
Shove Li Oo    (02-697 57)
Mume Thu     (09 91049692)

Mandalay –Taunggyi
Yatanar Aung     (09 402585016)
Shove Gabar     (09-2023 111)

Mandalay –Moe Gyoke
Moe Gyoke Man     (02- 240 78)
Sheshar Nilar     (02- 217 37)

Mandalay –Kalay
Tun Thauk     (02-618 86)
Shan Taung Tan     (02-606 20 / 02-239 81)

Nay Pyi Taw HighwayBus
Nay Pyi Taw – Monwya
Kyael Sin Hein    (067-420 5611067-420 967)

Nay Pyi Taw – Mandalay
Manyadanar    (067-381 78)
Myat Myint Moh     (067-381 48)
Shove Man Thu     (09-6500 152)
Kyael Sin Hein    (067-420 561/ 067-420 866)
Htet Oo     (06738178)
Mandalarrnin     (09-49245111)
Elite     (067-26423)

Nay Pyi Taw – Taung Gyi
Pa Oh Welt Tan     (067-420 866)

Nay Pyi Taw – Yangon
Tapin Shwe Htee     (01-639 465)
Hein Myat Moe         (01-637 588)
Nan Htike San         (09-730 72228)
Site         (067-262 81)
Aung Soe Moe         (09-8616984)
Mandalarmin         (09-73231000)
Shwe Zin Sa”r         (067-421973)

Air Bagan        01-513322,913422,513411
Air Mandalay        01-502520, 505488, EXT-610-4
Air Kanbawza         01-372977-80
Asian Wings Airways     01-516654,527404,532253
Yangon Airway         01-383218,383100,383127
Myamna Airways     01-371591,371 31
Golden Myanmar Airline     01-8604035-8, 09-400447999
Mann yadanarpon Airlines 01-656969

Emergancy Call Number Yangon
Crime            119
Police Force     01-29602,01-376166,01-645824
Ambulance        01-383684
Yangon General Hospital 01-384493-94
East Yangon General Hospital    01-2300502-836
West Yangon General Hospital    01-222860-861

Private Hospital/Clinic
Asia Royal            01-538055-503261
Showe Gone Ding         01-543278-554412
Baho Si                01-2300502-631
Thuka Kabar             01-500100-505200
Emergency Phone Number
Mandalay
Crime                199
Police Force            061-29602, 02-376166, 02-64584
Ambulance            02-383683
Mandalay General Hospital     02-39032-55059

Private Hospital/ Clinic
Pan Hlaing             02-64029-61561
Parapike             02-74808

Emergency Phone Number Bagan/Nyaung 00
Crime                199
Tour Police Force         061-29602, 061-376166, 061-645824
Ambulance             061-383684

Ayeyarwaddy Adventure
Ayeyarwaddy Adventure, Road to Mandalay for seven nights eight days is introduced among Yangon-Mandalay cruise schedules. On the first day, leave Yangon to Bagan, and take a short break at hotel. After enjoying sun set view of Bagan from cruise ship, dinner will be served. On the second day, after breakfast, visit Bagan local markets under the leadership of tour guide, take a tour with bike or pony cart. On the third day, Bagan to Mandalay, Mingun and on the fourth day, Maymoe, Colonical House will be visited. On the fifth day, Sagaing Hills and on the sixth day, Shwe Kyet Yet Pagoda, Innwa and on the seventh day, Popa Mount will be toured and concluded the trip. For more information, Let’s Go Myanmar, No. 52 C, Magin Street, 13 Quarter, Yankin/1 Township.Ph-0 1562169, 09-43075258.

Myanmar Highlights
Myanmar Highlights, Road to Mandalay is presented from Yangon-Mandalay cruise schedule. Detailed schedule is on the first day, Mandalay to Sagaing, on the second day, Shwe Kyet Yet Pagoda, Innwa, on the third day, Bagan. For more information, Let’s Go Myanmar, No. 52 C, Magin Street, 13 Quarter, Yankin Township. Ph-01562169, 09-43075258.

Four nights five days Golden Land, Road to Mandalay forYangon-Mandalay cruise schedules is stated. On the first day, Bagan, the next day, On the first day, leave Yangon to Bagan, and take a’short break at hotel. After enjoying sun set view of Bagan from cruise ship, dinner will be served. On the second day, after breakfast, visit Bagan local markets under the leadership of tour guide, take a tour with bike or pony cart. On the third day, Sagaing Hills and on the sixth day, Shwe Kyet Yet Pagoda, Amarapura will be toured and concluded the trip.For more information, Let’s Go Myanmar, No. 52 C, Magin Street, 13 Quarter, Yankin Township. Ph-01562169, 09-43075258.

Golden Land
Mandalay-Jade Pagoda-Pyin Oo Lwin
Introduced 3-night/4-day Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin trip including pilgrimage
A famous Jade Pagoda and Deedok Blue Water Lake.

Departure on 2 October, 2015 at Ks 99,000 per head. Stay at MANDALAY SWAN HOTEL.
Detail to contact: Swan Travels & Tours, Tel: 09261333378 and 0926133337

Putao-Machan-baw-Kaunghmulon-Shan-gaung-Mulashidee
Introduced 3-night/4-day trip to snow-capped mountains at the far north of Myanmar to visit
Putao-Machan-baw-Kaunghmulon-Shan-gaung-Mulashidee. Booking last date 30 September, departure on 29 October, 2015 at Ks790,000 per head.
Detail to contact: Tango Travels &Tburs, Tel: 09261403305,09259585294, 0973109637.

Amazing Northen Trekking
Northen Trekking MNW
006 (22 Nights / 23 Days)
Day – 1: Arrival Yangon
Day – 2: Yangon sightseeing by Car
Day – 3: Yangon – Putao – Upper Shankaung by flight/ Truck
Day – 4: Trek – Wansandum village
Day – 5: Trek – Ziyadum village
Day – 6: Trek – Thit Pin Gyi Day – 7: Trek – Kan Tauk Myint
Day – 8: Trek – Base Camp Day – 9: Trek – Base Camp Summit – Base Camp
Day – 10: Trek – Base Camp Thit Pin Gyi
Day – 11: Trek – Thit Pin Gyi – Ziyadum
Day – 12: Trek – Ziyadum – Wansondurn
Day – 13: Trek – Wansondum – Shangaung – Putao
Day – 14: Putao – Kaung Mu Lone – Mu lar Shide -Putao by Truck
Day – 15: Putao – Mandalay by flight
Day – 16: Mandalay sightseeing by Car
Day – 17: Mandalay – Heho I – Inle by flight/ Car/ Boat
Day – 18: Inle sightseeing by Boat
Day – 19: Inle sightseeing by Boat
Day – 20: Inle – Heho – Bagan by Boat/ Car/ flight Day – 21: Bagan sightseeing by Car
Day – 22: Bagan – Yangon by flight
Day – 23: Yangon Departure

More details for :
Myanmar natural wonder travel and tours
Tel: +95-9-428343850, +959-73000938,+95-9-5058825 Fax: +95-1-519763
Email:myanmarnatrualwonder@gmail.com,info@ myanmarnaturalwondertravels.com

WEEKLY INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULES
(21 – 9- 2015 TO 27 – 9 – 2015

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15

Doha: Qatar has won the right to host World Tourism Day (WTD)) 2017 celebrations, which will be held under the theme, ‘Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development’.

The announcement was made following a vote of the 21st UNWTO General Assembly in Medellin, Colombia. Celebrated annually on September 27, World Tourism Day is the biggest international event in tourism. Its purpose is to foster awareness among the global community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The event, which is held in a different continent each year, seeks to address the global challenges outlined in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to highlight the tourism sector’s contribution to achieving them.

Speaking at the General Assembly, QTA Director of International Cooperation SaifAl Kuwari, said, “Qatar’s tourism sector is among the fastest growing globally.

Our National Tourism Sector Strategy outlines an ambitious path of development through 2030. We believe that holding the official World Tourism Day 2017 celebrations in Qatar will provide a timely opportunity to take stock of the sector’s achievements and provide us with a new catalyst for all that is yet to come.”

Al Kuwari added that the 2017 WTD theme, ‘ Sustainable Tourism — a Tool for Development’ mirrors the overarching message from this week’s UNWTO General Assembly that tourism has the power to drive the growth of nations and must be at the forefront of national development plans.

“In Qatar 2017, we will create events that will carry this message from us all to the world,” he said. Following the vote, Dr Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General, UNWTO, spoke of the ability of tourism to spur development across socio-economic boundaries.

“Asa sector behind one in 11 jobs worldwide, tourism is a valuable source of livelihood for millions of people.

Built around the countless cross-cultural encounters happening every day in all corners of the world, tourism is also a gateway to greater understanding of the world beyond our borders, and the first step in building peace between communities and nations,” he said.

Burkina Faso was previously selected to host WTD 2015 under the theme `One Billion Tourists, One Billion Opportunities’ and next year’s celebrations will be held in Thailand, on ‘Tourism for All promoting universal accessibility’.
REF : THE PENINSULA

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15

Tourism officials from Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar discussed solutions for luring tourists to their region and integrate their tourist industry as they met in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday.

The five countries are member of a political, economic, and cultural bloc known as ACMECS and have agreed to turn the region into an attractive destination for global vacationers under a campaign called “Five Countries, One Desti- nation.”

The tourism officials sug- gested during the meeting that more policies be issuedto allow tourists to travel between the five countries so that transnational tour packages can be offered.

Following the discussion, Vietnam reached bilateral tourism cooperation agreements with Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, in which they agree to continue working to attract tourists to each other as well as visitors from other markets.

In the cooperation agreement signed with Cambodia, Vietnam pledges to offer longer training courses to Cambodian travel personnel, whereas Phnom Penh promises to support Vietnamese businesses in opening restaurants, hotels or river tours in the country.

Last year Vietnam, Cam bodia, Laos and Myanmar collectively welcomed 19.6 million international tourists, up 11.4 percent from 2013. The total tourist arrivals of the ACMECS countries in 2014 were 44 million.

Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia have indeed taken action to facilitate transnational travel.

On Wednesday, transport authorities from the three countries held a ceremony to officially open the pair of international border gates at Hoa Lu-Trapeang Sre to traffic.

The Hoa Lu border gate is located in the southern Vietnamese province of Binh Phuoc, and Trapeang Sre in the Cambodian province of Kratie.

Vehicles of the three countries are now allowed to go through the Hoa Lu-Trapeang Sre border gates to each other’s territory instead of waiting for transshipment, which will thus help reduce transport cost and time, and boost the three neighbors’ trade and tourism.

The ACMECS discussion was one of the first activities to take place during the annual 11 th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2015), which kicked off Thursday.

The three-day event is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Ho Chi Minh City administration and its Department of Tourism, and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

The expo is expected to see 250 pavilions run by 350 international and regional buyers from 21 countries and territories, according to the organizers.
REF:rRJOI THE NEWS

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15

The national carriers of Thailand and Myanmar have been urged to join an “air flight pass” programme to help promote the Kingdom, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos as one travel destination in the Mekong region to strengthen the fledgling “Five Countries One Destination” objective.

“Air flight passes” are special fare programmes that allow a traveller to fly to multiple cities in a designated region at discounted rates, creating his or her own personalised itinerary.

Vietnam Airlines marketing executive Nguyen Quy Phuong said his country’s national carrier had been able to get the airlines of Laos and Cambodia to join the programme to make connecting “heritages cities” – cities that have World Heritage sites – in the three countries of the-Mekong region easier and more affordable.

Nguyen said at the International Trade Expo seminar in Ho Chi Minh City last week that Vietnam had not yet succeeded in getting Thai and Myanmar carriers to join the programme, but Vietnam Airlines was pursuing talks to smooth out any hurdles to increase the number of people visiting the Mekong region under the “Five Countries One Destination” objective.

One of the most challenging tasks ahead for the five countries is to cooperate in allowing tourists to get just one visa for travelling through the five countries.

Chattan Kunjara na Ayudhya, executive director at the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s advertising and public relations department, explained that achieving cooperation among Asean countries to develop tourism was naturally more difficult than cooperation in other areas because each country views tourism cooperation differently, while every country’s customs and immigration policies are different, posing hurdles for travellers.

“It is more difficult [cooperating] as one big group but it is easier to achieve bilateral cooperation. As for the flight pass programme, Thai Air ways may not find it financially worthwhile because of the costs involved,” he acknowledged. “Besides, the travelling distance between each country is different.”

And it’s not only connectivity; travellers also face legal and immigration challenges, and time is another important factor.

If tourists have, for instance, a total of just two weeks’ annual leave, they may not be able to choose a tour longer than that.

A traveller would need at least 20 days to tour four or five countries in the Mekong region adequately in one trip.

Asian Trails Vietnam managing director BuiViet Thuy Tien said that over the past few years her company had presented two travel itineraries featuring a 20-day overland trip across Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam that explores not onlyWorld Heritage sitqp in these four countries but also “hidden gems”.

It is possible to add a pre-tour to Bagan in Myanmar or a post-tour to Hoi An inVietnam using domestic flights or an extension to Chiang Mai from Bangkok, she said.

Tien said all this had been made possible because crossing borders has become easier than before while road conditions have also improved, shortening driving times. Besides, more quality accommodation can be found near border towns and increases in regional and domestic flights have made easier to customise such tour programmes.

Travellers who have just two weeks of vacation time in a year can visit only three countries at the most. They can choose, for example, a 12-day overland journey from Siem Reap to central Vietnam, touring ancient civilisations like the French Indochina treasure of Annam and Cambodia’s Angkor via the “hidden road” of the central highlands, while they can also continue on to Hanoi and fly to Luang Prabang.

However, to attract upmarket travellers, roads, accom-1 modation facilities in sortie countries, and visa procedures need improvement. So far only adventurers dare to take an overland journey.

It is still expensive for free independent travellers, Tien said, adding that there was a lack of an integrated marketing plan by the four countries on shared values, heritages and culture.
REF: THE NATION

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15

Myam-narTotirisiii Association says the MyanmarTburism Bank Public Company had already been registered with the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration.

However, the bank is waiting for its permit before it can open services for the tourism industry.

Initially, the tourism bank expected to get its license last May.

MyanniarTimes quoted the tourism association head, U Yan Win, saying: “We expect to get the bank license soon and will open branches across the country to expand tourism development.” The bank will provide financing to hotels, transportation and tourism companies, he said.

The association asked the government to provide capital to allow the bank and issue loans, the report said. According to the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration, the company had been registered, but approval for banking business was still required from the Central Bank of Myanmar.

Once it receives the green light, the first branch should open in Nay Pyi Taw followed by Mandalay and Yangon.

The proposed development bank will provide loans and technological assistance for potential projects that will require government approval and oversight.

The move to establish a specialised bank was prompted by an exceptional growth in tourism in the last three years.

Last year, the country welcomed 3.08 million international tourists up 51% from 2.04 million visits in 2013.

It earned USD926 million in 2013, and USDIA 4 billion in 2014 from tourism, accord-big to Ministry of Hotels and Tourism Statistics.
REF : TTR WEEKLY

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15

The Union of Myanmar Tourism Association is worried foreign tourists visiting Myanmar could lose their way due to a lack o signposts.

Myanmar Business Today, Wednesday, ran the news snippet quoting UMTA central executive committee member, Aunt Myat Kyaw, saying international tourists ,who travel by themselves, face considerable inconvenience as there are not enough signs pointing the way to tourist attractions.

“Once foreign tourists leave the major tourist destinations they will not find signposts written in English… there are few signpost even in our own language in some places,” the association chief commented.

Travellers who use a travel agency service have no worries. They are guided efficiently from one attraction to another, without really knowing the exact locations.

Individual tourists have to find their own way and they may find it quite difficult to obtain a reliable map. The association claims signposts in English would help.

Even in some of the most popular destinations, such as Bagan and Mandalay, there are few signposts on routes to tourist attractions.

Also, detailed maps of destinations are not freely available. Often, hotels provide guests photo copies of a map, or the maps provided are so crammed with advertising they serve no useful purpose for a serious traveller.

Commenting on the lack of signposts a tour operator based in Yangon said authorities had already installed more signposts at popular tourist destinations such as Yangon and Mandalay, but there was still room for improvement.

“It is not a top priority… the country is struggling with much more important issues linked to the tourism boom such as a lack of infrastructure and the need to improve airports, upgrade bus fleets and improve guide training.,” the agent told TTR Weekly.

Also, there have been recommendations to standardise signposts for tourism purposes possibly by adding both English and Chinese.

Giving them a distinct background colour would make them easy to see and read.

But signposts or not, the dramatic shift to smart phones use in Myanmar and the easing of telecom regulations will eventually make the old-fashioned map and even signposts irrelevant.

Our phones already tell us where we are and in tech savvy destinations, Google Maps shows us the way to the next attraction identify the shortest route, transport options and places to shop and eat on the way. It could even make the old-fashioned tour guide redundant.

Independent travellers are already using city Apps that show the way to all the main attractions. They provide accurate explanations in your own language once you arrive and clear directions to the next attraction within walking distance. If you need to hail a taxi the directions in a local language can be shown to the driver.

Signposts help in places beyond the range of mobile phone signals, but for most travellers visiting Myanrnar they will be happy with their 4G and live map cover that shows their present location. What ever happened to the fun of getting lost?

Last year, Myanmar reported a tourism increase 51%0 with 3.08 millmillion visits and USD1,789 million in revenue.

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15

Botataung Pagoda
The Botataung Pa- goda (also spelled Botahtaung; literally 1000 military officers”) is a famous pagoda located in downtown Yangon, Myanmar, near theYangon river.

The pagoda was first built by the Mon around the same time as was Shwedagon Pagoda according to local belief, Over 2500 years ago, and was known as Kyaik-de-att in Mon language.
The pagoda is hollow Within, and houses what is believed to be a sacred hair of Gautama Buddha.

The Botataung Pagoda was completely destroyed during world War II, and was rebuilt after the war.

History
According to Burmese tradition, it was on a hillock at this site that one thousand military officers of the king were drawn up as a guard of honor to welcome the landing in Burma of the relic,, of the Buddha brought over from India more than two thousand years ago.

An account from ancient histories of the building of the Pagoda states that the Buddhist king Sihadipa gave one of his ministers a sacred hair from the Buddha’s head and two body relics and this minister, renowned for his goodness and faith, consulte a famous religious leader and, on his advice, chose the Botataung Mount on the bank of Yangon River at a distance one thousand tars (7,000 cubits) in a South-Easterly direction from the Shwedagon Pagoda and there enshrined the sacred relics.

World War II
The pagoda was completely destroyed on 8 November 1943 when the RAF, which was bombing the nearby Yangon wharves also hit the pagoda. The pagoda was left in “blackened ruins”.

Rebuilding
Rebuilding of the pagoda started on the same day that the country gained independence from the UK: 4 January 1948. Part of the excavation process, a relic chamber was discovered.

The chamber in size 20’x 20′ and 6 in height gradually decreasing in size towards the top and appearing like a huge pot placed up-sided down to cover completely what lay inside.

In the very center of this treasure vault was discovered a wonderful stone casket in the shape of a pagoda with a diameter of 23 ins, and 39 ins, high. Encircling this stone casket were figures of nats carved out of laterite and evidently placed there to act as sentinels.

The casket was immersed in mud as water had trickled into the vault during the many centuries it had been there. With this pagoda-shaped stone casket within the relic chamber were found various kinds of treasures: precious stones, ornaments, jewellery, terracotta plaques and images of gold, silver, brass and stone. The total number of these images recovered from within and without the relic chamber was seven hundred. The terracotta plaques, some of them in a fair state of preservation, depict Buddhist, scenes. One of the terracotta plaques excavated from the relic chamber bears an image of the Lord Buddha and though affected by age and moisture it is exceptionally important.

On the reverse side are inscribed characters which are very close to the ancient Brahmani script which came from Southern India. It is a precious evidence of ancient times and has been deciphered by U Lu Pe Win, Superintendent Archaeologist, Government of the Union of Burma, who points out that the initial word “e” from “evam vadi” shows that the script is in the manner of the ancient Mons. This is proof c the belief that the people wh erected the Pagoda in ancier. times were the Mons. preservation, depict Buddhist, scenes.

One of the terracotta plaques excavated from the relic chamber bears an image of the Lord Buddha and though affected by age and moisture it is exceptionally important.

On the reverse side are inscribed characters which are very close to the ancient Brahmani script which came from Southern India. It is a precious evidence of ancient times and has been deciphered by U Lu Pe Win, Superintendent Archaeologist, Government of the Union of Burma, who points out that the initial word “e” from “evam vadi” shows that the script is in the manner of the ancient Mons. This is proof c the belief that the people wh erected the Pagoda in ancier. times were the Mons and gold and jewellery were discovered round the base.

This second stone casket was then removed and inside was found a small pagoda of pure gold standing on a silver salver or base and beside this golden pagoda was a carved stone image 41/2 ins. high of very ancient workmanship.

When the gold Pagoda was lifted up, a tiny gold cylinder of 3/4 inch (19 mm) length with a diameter of 5/12 inch (11 mm). was found and in this tiny cylinder were found two small body relics each the size of a mustard seed and what is believed to be a Sacred Hair of the Buddha.

This hair was coiled round and fastened with a little lacquer on which were traces of gold plaster.

When this cone or stone layer was removed there was found inside another stone layer of similar shape but with a brilliant gold coating and this was more representative of a pagoda in shape while its exquisite workmanship and brilliance inspired feelings of deep religious fervor in the crowd present.

Some mud had penetrated even here and the sides of the base were covered with this and when it was washed and sifted precious stones and gold and jewellery were discovered round the base.

This second stone casket was then removed and inside was found a small pagoda of pure gold standing on a silver salver or base and beside this golden pagoda was a carved stone image 41/2 ins. high of very ancient workmanship.

When the gold Pagoda was lifted up, a tiny gold cylinder of 3/4 inch (19 mm) length with a diameter of 5/12 inch (11 mm). was found and in this tiny cylinder were found two small body relics each the size of a mustard seed and what is believed to be a Sacred Hair of the Buddha.

This hair was coiled round and fastened with a little lacquer on which were traces of gold plaster.

Structure
The new pagoda is of original design and in height 131 feet 8 inches (40.13 m), on a base of 96 feet (29 m) x 96 feet (29 m).

The main attraction is the stupa’s hollow inside, which has a mirrored maze-like walkway lined with glass showcases containing many ancient relics and artifacts that were sealed inside the earlier pagoda.
REF : WIKIPEDIA

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15

It was located at No.361 on Pyay Road near Hantharwady round-about Yangon. It is a two-storied brick building.

On 6th June 1947, at the conference held in this building, our national leader Bogyoke Aung San, the Deputy Chairman, Governor’s Executive Council, delivered a commemorative speech to rehabilitate the country from the state of war-torn Burma.

The conference of two-year plan has been popularly known to the public as “HistorioSorrentoVilla Project”.

On 26th August 1947 the interim government headed by Prime Minister Thakin Nu established the BurmaTranslation Society – BTS (Sarpay Beikmann, House of Literature) at this historic building.

Since its inception Sarpay Beikmann has its own motto “Light where darkness was” (3DG 8R&j 3x\ &G@m835). The aims and objectives of the BTS have 14 chapters regarding administration, translation, publication, production, purchasing, construction and so on.

The council of the Society had administered Sarpay Beikmann and was composed of the following dignitaries: The Honblefliakin Nu, Prime Minister as Chairman The Hon’We U Tin, Minister for Finance The Hon’ble Sima Duwa Sinwa Naurig, Minister for Kachin Affairs Sir Mya Bu, Retired Chief Justice, 73,Pyay Road, Yangon Thado Thiri Thu Dbama U E Maung, Justice of the Supreme Court SithuU Cho, D.P.I, Burma, Rangoon U Khin Maung Latt, Retired Secretary,33, Park Lane (Now Natmauk Road) U Khin Zaw, Director, Burma Broadcasting Service Wunna Kyaw Htin U Thein Han (Zawgyi), Liberian, University of Rangoon Wunna Kyaw Htin U Thant, Secretary, Ministry of Information (later Secretary-General, UN) U Myo Min, Professor of English, University of Rangoon Thado Maha Tharay Sithu a U Chan Htoon, Attorney-General Wunna Kyaw Htin U Wun (Minnthuwun), Chief Executive Officer, University Translation Bureau Dr. Htin Aung, Administrative officer (later Rector), University of Rangoon. U Kaung, A.D.Pl.

The BTS — Sarpay Beik Mann had been the establishment of the semi-government, financially supported by the government. The whole Society had been managed by Managing Director U Managing San Htwar.
Under his management two assistant administrative officers U Hla Maung and Daw Mi Mi Gyi carried out the daily administrative work together with the clerical staff.

U Saw Maung, chief accounts officer, who was a brother by marriage of PM U Nu, took the responsibility of financial works inclusive of disbursing monthly salaries to the officers and employees of the Society.

Myoma Saya Hein took the distribution works of books, magazines and periodicals to book shops and markets. Dagon Shwe Mhyer, a veteran writer, had been appointed lesion officer between Sarpay Beikmann and writers and journalists.

Sarpay Beikmann had been constituted with editorial sections, viz: arts editorial section, headed by editor U Sein Win, M.A.; science editorial section, headed by editor U Myat Soe, B.Sc. (Hops); encyclopedia editorial section, headed by editor U Doe, M.A.; Sarpay Beikmann Magazine section, headed by editor U Tinn Maung (Tekkatho Htin Gyi); research section, headed by Major Ba Ko (Retd) B.A.(Hons), B.L., M.A.(Yale); and school text-books production section, headed by U Thein Han (Zawgyi).

Under the guidance of editors U Seinl.Vin, U Myat Soe and U Doe, compilers and assistant editors carried out the translation work, i.e., translation of various kinds of books in English into Myanmar language.

The manuscripts in Myanmar were forwarded to the respective editors in charge who finalized the editorial work to be ready for print.

In 1955 Sarpay Berkman purchased a rotary printing press from abroad and set it Lip in its compound behind the main building.

The Society had noble aims and objects to educate the public by printing, publishing and distributing knowledge able books, like “Popular Science Series” (LuduTheikpan Kyan in Myanmar), “Encyclopedia Burmanica7(Myanmar Swesone Kyan in Myanmar), Sarpay Beikemann Magazine,

50-Year Cultural Affairs Sarsaung (Periodical) and many books of knowledge on various topics for the reading public.

As the Society was not a government department, it had provided a provident fund to officers and employees.

In those days the Society had sent its assistant editors to England and Holland to supervise the printing work of Myanmar Swenson Kyan and Ludu Theikpan Kyaw respectively.

The Society had formed two committees , viz: Thu Khamein Aphwe Ngai (sub-committees of men of wisdom) and Thu Khamein Aphwe Gyi (main committee of men of wisdom).

These committees translated scientific and technological terms into Myanmar language. Translated terms in Myanmar language had been collected in wooden boxes called “Wawhara Ban” (vocabulary bank).

Since 1948 the Society has been celebrating the Sarpay Beikmann Literary Awards annually to the authors of the Myanmar literary world, whore books were selected best among the other books in each fiscal year.

The Society had also held cultural festivities on every Friday evening enabling Myanmar intellectual U Gon Ban to talk about historic events of the past and Zat MintharWunna Kyaw Htin Shove Mann Tin Maung to perform half-night dances.

After 1962 Sarpay Beikmann was placed under the Ministry of Information. Since then, Sarpay Beikmann had ceased its various activities.

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15

Tenders are invited to local and foreign private companies to operate the GoktiekViaduct Train Service in Northern Shan State, learnt from Myanmar Railway.

At present, Naung Cho-Goktiek-Naung Pain route and Naung Pain-Goktiek-Naung Cho routes are run by Rail Gang Car (RGC) and tenders are opened to private businesses to extend the service, it is learnt.
“Private companies will have to run by three-year contract and interested companies have to apply in compliance with the rules. Private companies can attract more visitors and widely re ‘ operate the service, said a responsible person of Myanmar Railway.

RGC train ran at GoktiekViaduct since March, 2015 and it has completed 13’ trip up to July

The GoktiekViaduct is over one hundred years old, situated at milestone 463/09, seven miles away from Naung Cho Station. The length of the viaduct is 2,260 feet and 1,100 feet high from the base.

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15

With the cooperation between Darwin Initiative Association of England and Myanmar Birds and Environment Conservation Association, Myanma Eco tourism bird watching guide course opened on 14 September 2015 at the Hlawgar Natural Park.

The course mainly conducts environment and bio-species preservation, bird species, laws to prevent for bird extinction and bird eco system benefit.

“Bird watching means while studying environment, studying bird together. For example, look at Innlay Lake and Inntawgyi Lake. Which lake has more bio-species? It depends on birds. One is relying on another. After watching birds, we become to understand nature surrounding and we come to do preservation process,” said Vice Chairman U Thein Aung, Myanmar Birds and Environment Conservation Association.

“Birds watching tourism is better than in the past. Foreigners go not only to Bagan but also to Nattmataung for bird watching. Whatever, the number of foreign bird watchers is increased,” he said.

Bird watching tourism launched in 2000 in Myanmar but due to destination limitation, the business was not developed.

Bird watching destinations in Myanmar are Hlawgar Park, Bagan, Ayeyarwaddy River at Bagan, Nattmataung National Park, Innlay Lake Sanctuary, Kalaw, Nanthar Island near Sittwe, Phonkan Razi Sanctuary, Hukaung Valley Sanctuary, Inntawgyi Sanctuary Alaungtawkathapa National Park, Moeyungyi Sanctuary, Minemahla Island Sanctuary and Khakabo Razi National Park.

For more convenience for foreign bird-watcher to Myanmar, Myanmar Tour Guides Association conducts natural bird watching course.

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15

Since licensing procedures are better, within August 2015, over 100 local tour guide licences issued throughout the country, per source of Hotels and Tourism Directorate.

There are four zones for tour guide licence application in the country and the figure of tour guide licence is nearly 9,000. But half of them work in the tour guide field currently, said Chairman Dr. Nyein Nyein from Myanmar Tour Guides Association.

“Local tour guide has to attend one month course to get licence for limited areas. The guide has to pass further tests to work in the whole country. Hotels and Tourism Directorate is now conducting tour guide courses for local tour guides continuously. It is increased the number,” the person said.
According to the figure of Hotels and Tourism Directorate, up to the end ofAug 2015, the figure Of tour guide licence is 4,020 and local tour licence is 1,515.

In the same way, it is better not only in the tour guide licence issuance, but also in the tour business licence. The number for business licence grant is 46 within one month.

Later at tourism developed destinations, local tour guide training is conducted, per source of Hotels and Tourism Directorate. Local tour guide trainings had been conducted since 1992.

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15

The numbers of tourist increase visiting Myeik Archipelago in Tanintharyi Region after permitted for day return visits; it is expected to rise more than that of previous year, learnt from Myeik Branch of Hotel and Tourism Administration Department.

Tanintharyi Regional Government gives permission for day return visits and other information are submitted to Regional Government on 6`” May, 2015, it is learnt. ” It will be submitted to Regional Government to launch tourism police in Tanintharyi Region as soon as development of tourism. The number of tour companies’ trips in Tanintharyi has been increased and local visitors are also expected to rise”, said a responsible person from Myeik Branch office. There were 220,473 tourists in 2013, 221,613 in 2014 to Myeik islands, according to the records. Tourists visited by crossing the Kawthaung border transit with visa and by motor yacht, he continued. It is submitted to Regional Government to issue On ArrivalVisa at border transits for the convenience of tourist, it is learnt. Foreign companies and locals more interested to invest in this region, it is known. Myeik Archipelago is composed of eight hundred islands, among them Kyatmauk Island, Thahtay Island and Yadanar Island are famous.

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15

It is learnt from MaHtaThaYangon Region [All Bus-line Control Committee] that after demolishing special bus lines inYangon area so as to collect bus fare on schedule clip, Special Inspection Teams will be formed under Ma HtaTha to control more systematically and effectively.

Current running bus lines under Ma HtaTha (Central) are checked with 16 special investigation teams and after transforming into schedule clip, an unit is set up to know whether conductors follow the rules or not, said Chairman U Hla Aung, Ma HtaTha (Central).

“After the Yangon Region Government approves bus schedule clip system, we will have more special investigation teams. We have to check whether conductors collect newly fixed ticket fares or not,” he said. For such matter, it takes time to negotiate between owners and vehicle workers and it may be difficult to deal with, the person continued. “They should check carefully whether a passengers have to pay more ticket fare or not. I think the investigation team is now ineffective,” a passenger said. Ma HtaTha (Central) has already fixed ticket fares for changing bus schedule clips. The Yangon Region Government has temporarily postponed for such transformation.

Source : Traveller (From Sept 21 to Sept 27 )Vol 3, No 15