The Myanmar Tourism Law came into effect on 17 September 2018. Its key objectives are to:

1. support domestic and international tourism marketing activities with a view of promoting Myanmar as a choice tourist destination;
2. protect the rights of tour operators and tourists;
3. ensure adequate quality of tourism services and safety of tourists;
4. enhance cooperation and coordination in developing and managing tourism;
5. train hospitality staff and increase employment opportunities;
6. promote responsible tourism and sustainable development;
7. support the tourism community and create opportunities for them; and
8. promote research and development in the tourism sector

In addition to setting out the rights and responsibilities of tour operators and tourists, the Tourism Law also provides for:

1. the formation of the Central Committee on National Tourism Sector Development, and its functions and duties;
2. the formation of the Tourism Working Committee, and its functions and duties;
3. the formation of the Inspectorate, and its powers in relation to the classification of tourism businesses and licenses and their respective applicable fees;
4. formation of the Regional Tourism Working Committee, and its functions and duties;
5. the functions and duties of the Directorate;
6. the application of prior permits before carrying out building or renovation of tourists accommodation; and
7. the licensing of entities and persons in the tourism sector (including tour operators, hotel businesses and other tourism related services).

It should be noted that, under the Tourism Law, ‘Tourism’ has a broad definition of all businesses undertaken related to travelling, including businesses engaged in offering tours, hotel and guest house accommodation, tourist guiding and other services related to travelling. It also includes ‘representative of such related businesses’.

The Dentons Myanmar team is able and happy to advise individuals and companies involved in or looking to carry out tourism-related activities.