NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar – A plan to develop tourism around Inle Lake is currently being discussed and will be revealed soon, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has said.
Union Minister for Tourism Htay Aung said: โWeโve got destination management plans for the tourism sector in Inle Region and will reveal them shortly. Weโll hold discussions with international organisations next month. The plan will kick off perhaps after this.โ
The ministry has joined hands with the Institute for International Development and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development and major tour destinations in and around Inle Lake.
Tin Tun Aung, an executive from the Union of Myanmar Travel Association, said: โThis is part of the master plan for the tourism sector. The plan has been realised in Inle, Kayah State and some other tourist attractions.โ
The tourism master plan includes 12 regions โ Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kyaikhteeyoe, Ngapali, Ngwesaung, Putao, Myeik, Naga, Natmauk Mountain, Loikaw and Inle.
Htay Aung said: โThere was a strong growth in tourism sector last year with more than 2 million visitors. And we have seen 1.8 million as of August and expect to welcome some 3 million this year. The growth rate is around 40 percent [a year].โ
Some business owners from the tourism industry say Inle Lake needs to be protected as it is a significant feature for Myanmar.
โInle Lake is our natural heritage,โ the minister said. โThe President once said not to build hotels and inns recklessly in Bagan region as travellers go there to study the cultural footprints of the zone, not to take rest in luxurious accommodation. No one will be willing to visit Myanmar if our cultural, natural heritages are extinct. We should make a collective push to maintain our landmarks.โ