New travel law to give region governments more power
A new tourism law is to be submitted to parliament later this year, the government says. The text of the law is to be circulated for comments to the tourism industry before being finalised, but operators say they are yet to see a draft.
Ministry of Hotels and Tourism director U Tint Wai told The Myanmar Times the new law would replace outdated sections of the existing legislation, which was enacted 20 years ago.
“For example, the fine for infractions [in the old law] is only K5000,” he said.
The new law will also speed up and simplify the process of getting government permission for tourism activities.
“States and regions have to seek permission from the Union government for any changes, which is a source of delay,” U Tint Wai said.
The attorney-general’s department is reviewing the 52-section draft in light of suggestions from international organisations over definitions. The ministry will consider input from tour operators and then submit the law to parliament, U Tint Wai said.
“We also accepted suggestions from the Myanmar Tourism Federation while preparing the law to bring it up to international standards and improve the climate in which tour operators function.”
But Daw Sabei Aung, of Nature Dream travel and tours, said tour operators were in the dark about the law’s contents and were still waiting to be consulted.
She said the private sector wants to work with the ministry to ensure the law is up to international standards.
“We want to know what is in the draft before it is formally submitted to parliament but the ministry hasn’t shared it with us yet,” she said. “We also don’t know which international organisations are helping with the law.”
But she said operators welcomed efforts to improve the legal framework for the industry, and urged the government to stick to the published Tourism Master Plan, released in 2013.
“We don’t have any protective laws, especially for outbound travellers. What will happen to them if a natural disaster occurs while they are travelling abroad? The law should protect travellers, operators and the industry.”
(Quote from Myanmar times online website on 15 June 2015)