PHUKET: The Government of Myanmar (Burma) is to allow tourism resorts in one of its most unspoiled regions, the Mergui archipelago in the Andaman Sea, officials have told the news agency DPA.
There are 27 local companies and joint ventures awaiting approval from the Myanmar Investment Commission for new projects in the region that consists of 800 islands, according to Sai Kyaw Ohn, deputy minister for hotels and tourism.
The green light for official development is likely before the end of the year, he said.
New naturally beautiful tourism destinations in a country with genuinely pristine islands and coral reefs is likely to draw tourists away from alternatives, including Phuket and Thailand's Andaman region.
"The [Mergui] region has a lot of potential to be a new tourism destination as most of the islands are untouched and have coral reefs," Sai Kyaw Ohn told DPA.
"We hope these can attract eco-tourists and divers."
There are some concerns, however, about the future for the 2000 Moken sea gypsy people who call the region home. They are known as Salons inside Burma/Myanmar.
Win Myo Thu, chairman of local environmental NGO, Ecodev, warned: ''The projects will destroy the natural beauty and ways of life in the area if the authorities and developers do not take environmental aspects into consideration.''
Construction is expected for the first projects before December.
There are 27 local companies and joint ventures awaiting approval from the Myanmar Investment Commission for new projects in the region that consists of 800 islands, according to Sai Kyaw Ohn, deputy minister for hotels and tourism.
The green light for official development is likely before the end of the year, he said.
New naturally beautiful tourism destinations in a country with genuinely pristine islands and coral reefs is likely to draw tourists away from alternatives, including Phuket and Thailand's Andaman region.
"The [Mergui] region has a lot of potential to be a new tourism destination as most of the islands are untouched and have coral reefs," Sai Kyaw Ohn told DPA.
"We hope these can attract eco-tourists and divers."
There are some concerns, however, about the future for the 2000 Moken sea gypsy people who call the region home. They are known as Salons inside Burma/Myanmar.
Win Myo Thu, chairman of local environmental NGO, Ecodev, warned: ''The projects will destroy the natural beauty and ways of life in the area if the authorities and developers do not take environmental aspects into consideration.''
Construction is expected for the first projects before December.
I went with the government of Burma representatives about twenty years ago, at the time was working for one of the foremost speakers in eco tourism in the region, will not mention company as when I have b before never published remark but he would not go as aung was still locked up.
They had a plan then to develop this area in 20 to 30 years doesn't time fly.
They also were planing then to make any resorts to be built to be self sufficient and eco friendly in terms of water supply, sewage garbage disposal.
I was not only one who went and they looked for advice from many different sources I am not an expert but too good a chance to miss. They also looked to Thailand for the mistakes.
Moken were mentioned but they said they planned to just keep small area at first away from there area.
Let's hope they do keep to those original plans from years ago
Posted by Michael on May 25, 2015 18:37