Logistic Management & Logistic Management & Revisit of YangonRevisit of Yangon

Presented by: Presented by: HponeHpone ThantThant (Harry)(Harry)Secretary, Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA)Secretary, Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA)Director, Director, SwiftwindsSwiftwinds Travels & Tours Co., LtdTravels & Tours Co., LtdChief Editor, Enchanting Myanmar Travel MagazineChief Editor, Enchanting Myanmar Travel MagazineNational Consultant, International Centre for IntegratedNational Consultant, International Centre for IntegratedMountain Development (ICIMountain Development (ICIMOD)MOD)

Relevance of the SurveyRelevance of the SurveyMyanmar tourism is in its second decade of Myanmar tourism is in its second decade of development. But many sites lack the basic logistic development. But many sites lack the basic logistic management standards to offer quality service to the management standards to offer quality service to the visitors. One factor is because there are no baseline visitors. One factor is because there are no baseline indicators or baseline studies ever done to spotlight indicators or baseline studies ever done to spotlight the strengths and weaknesses or the opportunities the strengths and weaknesses or the opportunities and threats, in other words a SWOT analysis, of the and threats, in other words a SWOT analysis, of the particular site.particular site.By analysing the tourist logistic management of By analysing the tourist logistic management of Yangon and lay down the foundations for further Yangon and lay down the foundations for further studies it is hoped that this report would be of studies it is hoped that this report would be of assistance to draw up a master plan for the tourism assistance to draw up a master plan for the tourism development of Yangon.development of Yangon.

MethodologyA questionnaire was designed to facilitate further studies in thA questionnaire was designed to facilitate further studies in the future. Although the e future. Although the study period was during the sostudy period was during the so--called low season a total of 207 visitors participated in called low season a total of 207 visitors participated in the project.the project.

The questionnaire was divided into 6 parts: The questionnaire was divided into 6 parts: •• (1) Travel Information (1) Travel Information •• (2) Level of Satisfaction on Logistic Management (2) Level of Satisfaction on Logistic Management •• (2.1) Physical Flow Management(2.1) Physical Flow Management•• (2.2) Financial Flow Management (2.2) Financial Flow Management •• (2.3) Information Flow Management(2.3) Information Flow Management•• (2.4)Overall Satisfaction Level(2.4)Overall Satisfaction Level•• (3) Guide Services(3) Guide Services•• (4) Tourist Attractions Value(4) Tourist Attractions Value•• (4.1)Overall Level of Tourist Attractions in Yangon(4.1)Overall Level of Tourist Attractions in Yangon•• (5) Perceived Value of Trip to Yangon and Revisit(5) Perceived Value of Trip to Yangon and Revisit•• (5.1)Trip to Yangon(5.1)Trip to Yangon•• (5.2)Revisit(5.2)Revisit•• (6) Personal Information(6) Personal Information

Brief Historical BackgroundBrief Historical Background••It was a small fishing community by the side of It was a small fishing community by the side of the Yangon river, just approximately 30 the Yangon river, just approximately 30 kilometres from the sea.kilometres from the sea.••The most prominent landmark was the The most prominent landmark was the ShwedagonShwedagon Pagoda in the North.Pagoda in the North.••It was a flashing pyramid of gold in the noonday It was a flashing pyramid of gold in the noonday sun and a twinkling wonder at night.sun and a twinkling wonder at night.••The Myanmar people believes that the Holy Hairs The Myanmar people believes that the Holy Hairs of Lord Buddha are buried inside the pagoda.of Lord Buddha are buried inside the pagoda.

•• The small village was variously called in The small village was variously called in antiquity as antiquity as KyaikKyaik LagunLagun or Dagon under the or Dagon under the Mon Kingdom.Mon Kingdom.

•• The name Yangon was applied by King The name Yangon was applied by King AlaungAlaungpayapaya when he conquered lower Myanmar from when he conquered lower Myanmar from the Mon people in 1755 A.D.the Mon people in 1755 A.D.

•• He renamed this small village as He renamed this small village as ““YangonYangon””meaning meaning ““end of danger or warfareend of danger or warfare”” to to commemorate his victory.commemorate his victory.

•• The town was occupied briefly by the British The town was occupied briefly by the British during the 1during the 1stst AngloAnglo--Myanmar War of 1824 A.D Myanmar War of 1824 A.D but returned to Myanmar hands when a peace but returned to Myanmar hands when a peace treaty was signed between the two warring treaty was signed between the two warring parties.parties.

•• The British took over the The British took over the RakhineRakhine and and TanintharyiTanintharyi ((TennesserimTennesserim) coastal strips.) coastal strips.

•• The 2The 2ndnd AngloAnglo--Myanmar War started again Myanmar War started again in 1852 A.D and this time the British took in 1852 A.D and this time the British took over the lower part of Myanmar.over the lower part of Myanmar.

•• Yangon became both a commercial and Yangon became both a commercial and administrative capital of British Burma.administrative capital of British Burma.

•• Actually Yangon is a mispronunciation. Actually Yangon is a mispronunciation. Mr. Joseph Mr. Joseph DautrimerDautrimer , a noted historian, , a noted historian, wrote in his book wrote in his book ““Burma Under the Burma Under the British RuleBritish Rule”” that it was based on the that it was based on the RakhineRakhine pronunciation of the word pronunciation of the word Yangon. From that time the British started Yangon. From that time the British started to pronounce Yangon as Rangoon.to pronounce Yangon as Rangoon.

••Before the British took over the town it was Before the British took over the town it was concentrated towards the northconcentrated towards the north--western part of western part of present day Yangon approximately around the present day Yangon approximately around the ShwedagonShwedagon pagoda. pagoda. ••The present day Yangon was only developed The present day Yangon was only developed after 1852. Dr. after 1852. Dr. MontgomerieMontgomerie and Lt. Fraser were and Lt. Fraser were the authors of the plan to extend the city along the authors of the plan to extend the city along the river front in geometric chessboard pattern.the river front in geometric chessboard pattern.••After the 3After the 3rdrd AngloAnglo--Myanmar War of 1885 the Myanmar War of 1885 the British annexed the whole country and made it a British annexed the whole country and made it a British colony. Yangon became the capital of the British colony. Yangon became the capital of the whole of Myanmar (Burma).whole of Myanmar (Burma).••Yangon remained the centre of commerce and Yangon remained the centre of commerce and administration for more than 100 years until the administration for more than 100 years until the administrative capital was moved to administrative capital was moved to NaypyitawNaypyitaw in in 2005.2005.

ACCESSIBILITYACCESSIBILITYYangon is the main Yangon is the main airhubairhub for international flights arriving Myanmar as well as for international flights arriving Myanmar as well as the base for all domestic airlines.the base for all domestic airlines.Myanmar Airways International (8M)Myanmar Airways International (8M)Thai International (TG)Thai International (TG)Bangkok Airways (PG)Bangkok Airways (PG)Thai Thai AirAsiaAirAsia (FD)(FD)Qatar Airways (QR)Qatar Airways (QR)Silk Silk Air(MIAir(MI))Malaysian Malaysian Airlines(MHAirlines(MH))Air India (IC)Air India (IC)Mandarin Airlines (AE)Mandarin Airlines (AE)Air China (CA)Air China (CA)JetstarJetstar (3K)(3K)Air Mandalay(6T)Air Mandalay(6T)Air Air BaganBagan (W9)(W9)China Southern Airlines (CZ)China Southern Airlines (CZ)MyanmaMyanma Airways (UB)Airways (UB)Yangon Airways (HK)Yangon Airways (HK)All these airlines fly out of Yangon All these airlines fly out of Yangon MingaladonMingaladon International Airport. Among International Airport. Among these Air Mandalay and Air these Air Mandalay and Air BaganBagan operate both international and domestic operate both international and domestic flights and flights and MyanmaMyanma Airways and Yangon Airways are domestic carriers.Airways and Yangon Airways are domestic carriers.

ArrivalsArrivals•• In 2006 tourist arrivals via Yangon entry In 2006 tourist arrivals via Yangon entry

point was:257 594point was:257 594•• Of these:Of these:

--Package Package 6233562335--FIT FIT 118194118194--Business Business 3562935629--Family visitFamily visit 2259222592--Others 18844Others 18844

Charter flights/Cruise(2006)Charter flights/Cruise(2006)

•• Charter flightCharter flight 77777777•• CruiseCruise 33993399

Hotel roomsHotel rooms

YangonYangon

Locally owned: 2854 rooms in 146 hotelsLocally owned: 2854 rooms in 146 hotelsForeign owned:2622 rooms in 14 hotelsForeign owned:2622 rooms in 14 hotelsJV with govt:JV with govt: 329 rooms in 3 hotels329 rooms in 3 hotels

Tourist Income(2006)Tourist Income(2006)

•• Total incomeTotal income 164 m USD164 m USD•• Average expenditure 94 USD/DayAverage expenditure 94 USD/Day•• Average length of stay 7 daysAverage length of stay 7 days

Source: Myanmar Tourism Statistics 2006, Ministry of Hotels & Source: Myanmar Tourism Statistics 2006, Ministry of Hotels & TourismTourism

AttractionsAttractions

•• The The ShwedagonShwedagon Pagoda is of course Pagoda is of course the main attraction. But there are also the main attraction. But there are also many others like the many others like the BotataungBotataungPagoda, the Pagoda, the SuleSule Pagoda and the Pagoda and the ChaukChauk HtatHtat GyiGyi Reclining Buddha.Reclining Buddha.

•• Colonial buildings dating back for more Colonial buildings dating back for more than a hundred years are well than a hundred years are well preserved.preserved.

Parks and Wildlife SanctuariesParks and Wildlife Sanctuaries

•• There are several parks in the city. The There are several parks in the city. The MahabandoolaMahabandoola Park is right in the city Park is right in the city centre. It is also where the centre. It is also where the Independence Monument is.Independence Monument is.

•• Another popular park is Another popular park is KandawgyiKandawgyiNature Park by the Nature Park by the KandawgyiKandawgyi Lake.Lake.

•• PeoplesPeoples’’ Park is opposite the Park is opposite the ShwedagonShwedagon Pagoda.Pagoda.

•• HlawgaHlawga Nature Park is about 35 Nature Park is about 35 kilometres out of Yangon.kilometres out of Yangon.

MuseumsMuseums•• The National Museum is on the The National Museum is on the PyayPyay

Road. Road. •• The exhibits include the Lion Throne The exhibits include the Lion Throne

and the royal regalia of the last and the royal regalia of the last Myanmar court taken by the British Myanmar court taken by the British after the 3after the 3rdrd AngloAnglo--Myanmar War but Myanmar War but later returned.later returned.

•• The Defence Services Museum is also The Defence Services Museum is also open to the public.open to the public.

Commonwealth War CemeteryCommonwealth War Cemetery

•• It is about 35 kilometres out of Yangon It is about 35 kilometres out of Yangon and under the care of the and under the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commonwealth War Graves Commission. There are graves of Commission. There are graves of soldiers in this cemetery from Britain, soldiers in this cemetery from Britain, Australia, India and other Australia, India and other Commonwealth countries who gave Commonwealth countries who gave their lives on the Myanmar battlefields their lives on the Myanmar battlefields during the 2during the 2ndnd World War.World War.

AccommodationsAccommodations•• Yangon has many international standard Yangon has many international standard

hotels for the convenience of international hotels for the convenience of international travellers.travellers.

•• Sedona has two properties: Sedona Yangon Sedona has two properties: Sedona Yangon and Sedona Mandalay.and Sedona Mandalay.

•• Park Royal Hotel and Traders are located in Park Royal Hotel and Traders are located in the heart of the business district.the heart of the business district.

•• The The KandawgyiKandawgyi Palace Hotel, on the banks of Palace Hotel, on the banks of the the KandawgyiKandawgyi Lake, is operated by the ThaiLake, is operated by the Thai--based based BaiyokeBaiyoke Group.Group.

•• The The DusitDusit Group has now entered into a Group has now entered into a joint venture with the governmentjoint venture with the government’’s s Myanmar Hotels & Tourism Services to Myanmar Hotels & Tourism Services to run the run the DusitDusit InyaInya Lake Hotel by the banks Lake Hotel by the banks of the of the InyaInya Lake. The hotel was a gift of Lake. The hotel was a gift of the former Soviet Union to the people of the former Soviet Union to the people of Myanmar around the mid 1950s and was Myanmar around the mid 1950s and was one of the most famous hotels in Yangon one of the most famous hotels in Yangon where the citywhere the city’’s high society used for s high society used for their social functions.their social functions.

•• The grand dame of hotels in Yangon still The grand dame of hotels in Yangon still remains the Strand Hotel. It has just remains the Strand Hotel. It has just celebrated the centenary. This hotel was celebrated the centenary. This hotel was built by the built by the SarkiesSarkies brothers, who were brothers, who were also the owners of the Raffles Hotel of also the owners of the Raffles Hotel of Singapore, way back in the 1800s.Singapore, way back in the 1800s.

• The GovernorThe Governor’’s Residence was formerly s Residence was formerly the the PanseaPansea Hotel and located inside a Hotel and located inside a spacious wellspacious well--kept kept lawn.Thelawn.The reception and reception and the lobby are housed inside a beautiful the lobby are housed inside a beautiful teak mansion that once belonged to the teak mansion that once belonged to the hereditary hereditary KayahKayah princes of the princes of the KayahKayahState.State.••Savoy Hotel is a small but Savoy Hotel is a small but cozycozy boutique boutique hotel located near the hotel located near the ShwedagonShwedagon Pagoda.Pagoda.••Apart from these there are also many Apart from these there are also many smaller hotels and guesthouses to suit smaller hotels and guesthouses to suit everybodyeverybody’’s budget.s budget.

ShoppingShopping

•• BogyokeBogyoke AungAung San Market in San Market in downtown Yangon is the most popular. downtown Yangon is the most popular. It is more than 80 years old. Many small It is more than 80 years old. Many small private stalls line the huge sprawling private stalls line the huge sprawling complex. Items ranging from normal complex. Items ranging from normal household goods, branded imported household goods, branded imported latest fashion wear to tourist souvenirs latest fashion wear to tourist souvenirs and precious gemstones are sold at and precious gemstones are sold at these small shops.these small shops.

•• Some of the jewellery and souvenir Some of the jewellery and souvenir shops in the shops in the BogyokeBogyoke market can accept market can accept foreign currency as recognised FE foreign currency as recognised FE holder licensees. But please request an holder licensees. But please request an official receipt for Customs purposes if official receipt for Customs purposes if you are buying gemstones.you are buying gemstones.

•• The Gems Museum also has many The Gems Museum also has many private gems shop on the ground floor.private gems shop on the ground floor.

•• There are also many modern shopping malls There are also many modern shopping malls scattered throughout the city.scattered throughout the city.

•• Blazon Shopping Centre, Dagon Shopping Blazon Shopping Centre, Dagon Shopping Centre, Orange Shopping Centre, North Point Centre, Orange Shopping Centre, North Point Shopping Centre, Shopping Centre, YankinYankin Shopping Centre, Shopping Centre, SeinSein GayharGayhar Shopping Centre are some of the Shopping Centre are some of the most modern shopping centres. There is also a most modern shopping centres. There is also a BIG C franchise at BIG C franchise at ParamiParami Shopping Centre on Shopping Centre on ParamiParami Road.Road.

•• The The MingalarMingalar ZayZay is a wholesale market where is a wholesale market where locally manufactured and imported goods from locally manufactured and imported goods from the neighbouring countries are sold.the neighbouring countries are sold.

•• ThiriThiri MingalarMingalar ZayZay is a wholesale and is a wholesale and retail market for fruits and flowers.retail market for fruits and flowers.

•• The The SanpyaSanpya NgaNga ZayZay or the Central Fish or the Central Fish Market is where the wholesalers of fish Market is where the wholesalers of fish do their business. do their business.

•• TheingyiTheingyi ZayZay, right in the centre of the , right in the centre of the city, is a big place. It is also one of the city, is a big place. It is also one of the oldest market place built more than 100 oldest market place built more than 100 years ago. But the original shed was years ago. But the original shed was bombed during the 2bombed during the 2ndnd World War.World War.

•• Also there are many local markets where Also there are many local markets where ordinary housewives do their daily ordinary housewives do their daily shopping.shopping.

DiningDining•• All the major hotels offer international cuisine.All the major hotels offer international cuisine.•• There are also many privately run restaurants There are also many privately run restaurants

offering Thai, Italian, French, Indian, Korean, offering Thai, Italian, French, Indian, Korean, Chinese as well as Myanmar cuisine specially for the Chinese as well as Myanmar cuisine specially for the tourists.tourists.

•• Fast food outlets styled like McDonald, Pizza Hut, Fast food outlets styled like McDonald, Pizza Hut, KFC and J Donut service the younger Myanmar KFC and J Donut service the younger Myanmar generation.generation.

•• Local cuisine can be sampled at many locally run Local cuisine can be sampled at many locally run restaurants. But inspect carefully the food and the restaurants. But inspect carefully the food and the hygienic conditions before you venture.hygienic conditions before you venture.

•• There are many eateries in the Chinatown area. There are many eateries in the Chinatown area.

TransportationTransportation•• There are taxis and passenger buses in the There are taxis and passenger buses in the

city but the service and the conditions of the city but the service and the conditions of the vehicles are poor. Anyway the routes are vehicles are poor. Anyway the routes are written in the Myanmar language on the written in the Myanmar language on the buses. So it is better to hire your own car buses. So it is better to hire your own car from a travel agency to go around the city.from a travel agency to go around the city.

•• When you take a taxi be sure to negotiate the When you take a taxi be sure to negotiate the price first. There are no meter taxis here.price first. There are no meter taxis here.

•• There are walkThere are walk--in ticketing agents if you plan in ticketing agents if you plan to travel outside of Yangon by flight.to travel outside of Yangon by flight.

•• A Circular Railways and local suburban A Circular Railways and local suburban services are operated by the services are operated by the MyanmaMyanmaRailways. The condition of the coaches Railways. The condition of the coaches are bad but then it would be interesting are bad but then it would be interesting for the intrepid traveller.for the intrepid traveller.

•• Your travel agency can arrange for train Your travel agency can arrange for train tickets if you plan to go out of Yangon. tickets if you plan to go out of Yangon. There is also a last minute ticket booth at There is also a last minute ticket booth at Yangon Central Station. Foreigners pay in Yangon Central Station. Foreigners pay in USD or Foreign Exchange Certificates USD or Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC).(FEC).

•• There is no BTS nor MRT system in There is no BTS nor MRT system in Yangon.Yangon.

•• There is an evening cruise on a triple There is an evening cruise on a triple deckerdecker but do not be disappointed when but do not be disappointed when you find that it is a fun trip for the locals you find that it is a fun trip for the locals with karaoke music and not a quiet with karaoke music and not a quiet leisurely trip that you had expected.leisurely trip that you had expected.

•• However, there is one cruise operated by However, there is one cruise operated by a tour company that offers the kind of a tour company that offers the kind of cruise that you expect. This can be done cruise that you expect. This can be done through your local agent.through your local agent.

••Taking a pedalTaking a pedal--powered trishaws is powered trishaws is also a novel way to travel but they also a novel way to travel but they cannot operate inside the downtown cannot operate inside the downtown areas.areas.••There are also no There are also no tukstuks tukstuks nor nor motorcycle taxis in town. In fact all motorcycle taxis in town. In fact all motorcycles are banned from the city motorcycles are banned from the city except for government departments.except for government departments.

SO BRING GOOD WALKING SHOES !!SO BRING GOOD WALKING SHOES !!

InformationInformation•• The travel agencies can provide useful The travel agencies can provide useful

information and city maps to the travellers.information and city maps to the travellers.•• There are no tourist information booths There are no tourist information booths

around the city to help you find the way around the city to help you find the way about.about.

•• People are friendly but somewhat shy. People are friendly but somewhat shy. Almost everybody can understand and speak Almost everybody can understand and speak basic English but do not be disappointed if basic English but do not be disappointed if someone turns away when you ask a someone turns away when you ask a question. It is because they are shy to speak question. It is because they are shy to speak to foreigners.to foreigners.

SafetySafety•• Yangon is one of the safest city in the world. Yangon is one of the safest city in the world.

Crime is low, especially when foreigners are Crime is low, especially when foreigners are involve. But prudence, of course, is the key involve. But prudence, of course, is the key word.word.

•• There are no racial, religious or gender There are no racial, religious or gender discriminations or tensions between the discriminations or tensions between the population.population.

•• Carrying guns is prohibited. Even a six inch Carrying guns is prohibited. Even a six inch penknife is considered a dangerous weapon.penknife is considered a dangerous weapon.

•• A Tourist Safety Unit has been set up under A Tourist Safety Unit has been set up under the Myanmar Police Force.the Myanmar Police Force.

HealthHealth

•• International standard healthcare is International standard healthcare is available at privately run specialised available at privately run specialised clinics . clinics .

•• All medical doctors and dentists are All medical doctors and dentists are certified and licensed by the certified and licensed by the government as per the British government as per the British standards.standards.

•• However, the standard of healthcare at However, the standard of healthcare at government run hospitals is less because government run hospitals is less because of budgetary restrictions.of budgetary restrictions.

•• International health insurance is not International health insurance is not widely practised in Myanmar although widely practised in Myanmar although there are agents who represent some there are agents who represent some international insurance companies and international insurance companies and able to offer standard insurance able to offer standard insurance healthcare benefitshealthcare benefits.

CommunicationsCommunications•• Yangon has both countryYangon has both country--wide (and wide (and

international) automatic subscriber direct international) automatic subscriber direct dialling landline and GSM mobile networks but dialling landline and GSM mobile networks but the standard and service is not very the standard and service is not very satisfactory.satisfactory.

•• You cannot buy a local network GSM SIM card You cannot buy a local network GSM SIM card here!!here!!

•• There is no international roaming service for the There is no international roaming service for the Myanmar GSM network although Thai AIS (IMyanmar GSM network although Thai AIS (I--22--Call) can be used here.Call) can be used here.

•• IDD service available at all hotels but please IDD service available at all hotels but please check on the rates first before using.check on the rates first before using.

•• Internet and eInternet and e--mail services are available mail services are available in Yangon, with both broadband and in Yangon, with both broadband and daildail--up.up.

•• There are quite a number of internet cafes There are quite a number of internet cafes in the city.in the city.

•• It is possible to post letters and parcels It is possible to post letters and parcels overseas or use a fax at the General Post overseas or use a fax at the General Post Office or from the hotels.Office or from the hotels.

•• There is also EMS international courier There is also EMS international courier service.service.

BankingBanking•• There are both private and government There are both private and government

banks in Yangon.banks in Yangon.•• The Myanmar Economic Bank (MEB), the The Myanmar Economic Bank (MEB), the

Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB) Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB) and the Myanmar Investment & and the Myanmar Investment & Commercial Bank (MICB) are Commercial Bank (MICB) are government banks. government banks.

•• Only the MFTB and MICB are authorised Only the MFTB and MICB are authorised to handle FE transactions.to handle FE transactions.

•• Tourists cannot normally use any credit Tourists cannot normally use any credit cards or travellers cheques in Yangon or cards or travellers cheques in Yangon or anywhere else in Myanmar, although anywhere else in Myanmar, although some shops might oblige. But the some shops might oblige. But the commission rates are usually very high. commission rates are usually very high. Please check first before paying.Please check first before paying.

•• However, many purchases can be paid in However, many purchases can be paid in USD.USD.

•• There are no foreign currency exchange There are no foreign currency exchange counters in the city.counters in the city.

•• Although there is a recognised foreign Although there is a recognised foreign currency exchange counter inside the currency exchange counter inside the Yangon International Airport Arrival Hall Yangon International Airport Arrival Hall run by a private company (not a bank) run by a private company (not a bank) nobody uses it because the rate is 50% nobody uses it because the rate is 50% less than the current free market rates. less than the current free market rates. All currency exchanges are done All currency exchanges are done privately, between the travel agency and privately, between the travel agency and the clients. But be careful of touts. It is the clients. But be careful of touts. It is against the law for ordinary Myanmar against the law for ordinary Myanmar citizens to handle foreign currency.citizens to handle foreign currency.

•• Only United States Dollars preferred in Only United States Dollars preferred in Myanmar. No other currencies are accepted.Myanmar. No other currencies are accepted.

•• Also please note that the banknotes are really Also please note that the banknotes are really new, not soiled or creased or fold marked in new, not soiled or creased or fold marked in anyway or have markings of any kind on them.anyway or have markings of any kind on them.

•• Only banknotes with large portraits of the US Only banknotes with large portraits of the US presidents are accepted.presidents are accepted.

•• No banknotes issued under CB series are No banknotes issued under CB series are accepted also. (Because there are a lot of accepted also. (Because there are a lot of counterfeit notes in those series).counterfeit notes in those series).

•• One hundred dollar note fetches a higher price One hundred dollar note fetches a higher price than other denominations.than other denominations.

Guiding ServicesGuiding Services•• There are licensed guides, both as staff of There are licensed guides, both as staff of

travel agencies or free lancing.travel agencies or free lancing.•• They are trained at the Tourism Training They are trained at the Tourism Training

School under the Ministry of Hotels & School under the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism and certified and licensed by the Tourism and certified and licensed by the Directorate of Hotels & Tourism.Directorate of Hotels & Tourism.

•• English, French, Spanish, Italian, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Korean,ThaiKorean,Thai, Russian and Chinese speaking , Russian and Chinese speaking guides are available. The guides can be guides are available. The guides can be engaged as accompanied or station guides. engaged as accompanied or station guides. They can be engaged through travel They can be engaged through travel agencies.agencies.

NightlifeNightlife•• There is no nightlife There is no nightlife per seper se. . •• Many restaurants serving tourists offer Many restaurants serving tourists offer

traditional cultural performances during dinner.traditional cultural performances during dinner.•• Some international hotels like Some international hotels like KandawgyiKandawgyi

Palace Hotel, Park Royal Hotel have music bars.Palace Hotel, Park Royal Hotel have music bars.•• There are some entertainment venues but they There are some entertainment venues but they

are mostly local restaurants, karaoke bars or are mostly local restaurants, karaoke bars or beer stations with live music. They are found in beer stations with live music. They are found in all areas.all areas.

•• As for the swinging nightlife that many As for the swinging nightlife that many European expects it is very discreetly done.European expects it is very discreetly done.

•• ALL MYANMAR PEOPLE GO TO BED EARLY!ALL MYANMAR PEOPLE GO TO BED EARLY!

SWOT AnalysisSWOT AnalysisStrengthsStrengths

•• Yangon has many interesting tourist spotsYangon has many interesting tourist spots•• It has a rich historyIt has a rich history•• The people are friendlyThe people are friendly•• It is a safe cityIt is a safe city•• There are adequate international standards as well as midThere are adequate international standards as well as mid--

range and budget accommodations available for all types of range and budget accommodations available for all types of visitorsvisitors

•• It is the major aviation gateway to other parts of the countryIt is the major aviation gateway to other parts of the country•• It is the major gateway for all international flights into the It is the major gateway for all international flights into the

country.country.•• It is also the major commercial centre for the whole countryIt is also the major commercial centre for the whole country•• Large ocean going cruise liners can berth at Large ocean going cruise liners can berth at ThilawaThilawa

International Port which is just 20 minutes drive from International Port which is just 20 minutes drive from downtown Yangon.downtown Yangon.

WeaknessesWeaknesses•• Transportation and communications infrastructure are Transportation and communications infrastructure are

weakweak•• The potential of tourism as a mean of economic The potential of tourism as a mean of economic

development of the city is not understood by the city development of the city is not understood by the city authoritiesauthorities

•• The need to conserve historical buildings as tourism The need to conserve historical buildings as tourism sites is also not understood by the authoritiessites is also not understood by the authorities

•• Tour operators, as well as the guides also do not fully Tour operators, as well as the guides also do not fully understand or utilise the cityunderstand or utilise the city’’s rich historical s rich historical background as a powerful tourism resource. Most are background as a powerful tourism resource. Most are relying only on the international markets. There are relying only on the international markets. There are almost no domestically based travel agencies to almost no domestically based travel agencies to service the local/domestic tourists to visit Yangon. service the local/domestic tourists to visit Yangon. Whatever domestic tourist groups that come to Yangon Whatever domestic tourist groups that come to Yangon are pilgrimage tours organised on selfare pilgrimage tours organised on self--help basis rather help basis rather that through a travel agency, with groups of rural folks that through a travel agency, with groups of rural folks coming to pay homage to the great coming to pay homage to the great ShwedagonShwedagon Pagoda Pagoda mainly and take in other sites at the same time.mainly and take in other sites at the same time.

OpportunitiesOpportunities•• The city has a chance to learn from the The city has a chance to learn from the

experiences of other cities to avoid the experiences of other cities to avoid the negative impacts of tourism on the social, negative impacts of tourism on the social, natural and economic environments.natural and economic environments.

•• There are many opportunities for There are many opportunities for investors to invest directly in tourism investors to invest directly in tourism products and infrastructure.products and infrastructure.

•• The active assistance of trade The active assistance of trade associations such as UMTA, MHA and associations such as UMTA, MHA and MMC to promote Yangon.MMC to promote Yangon.

ThreatsThreats•• The negative impacts of tourism on the The negative impacts of tourism on the

populationpopulation•• Unforeseeable consequences from Unforeseeable consequences from

major global health, security and major global health, security and economic upheavals.economic upheavals.

•• Competition from other domestic and Competition from other domestic and regional destinations.regional destinations.

RecommendationsRecommendationsIt is highly recommended that a master plan for tourism It is highly recommended that a master plan for tourism development of Yangon city be undertaken. The Yangon development of Yangon city be undertaken. The Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) in close collaboration City Development Committee (YCDC) in close collaboration with the local tour operators, and under the guidance of the with the local tour operators, and under the guidance of the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism, should seriously look into it. If Ministry of Hotels & Tourism, should seriously look into it. If possible there should be a separate tourism bureau within possible there should be a separate tourism bureau within the YCDC to promote and preserve the citythe YCDC to promote and preserve the city’’s various s various tourism resources, rather like the Bangkok Tourism Bureau tourism resources, rather like the Bangkok Tourism Bureau under the BMA. The people of Yangon should also be under the BMA. The people of Yangon should also be educated on the impacts of tourism and the preservation educated on the impacts of tourism and the preservation and conservation of the cityand conservation of the city’’s cultural and historical heritage. s cultural and historical heritage. An aggressive media campaign to raise awareness of An aggressive media campaign to raise awareness of Yangon as an important tourist site using all modern means Yangon as an important tourist site using all modern means of communications and IT technology should be undertaken of communications and IT technology should be undertaken both inboth in--country and internationally to put the city on the country and internationally to put the city on the worldworld’’s tourist map.s tourist map.

Conclusion• It is hoped that as the tourism and

hospitality sectors mature Yangon will become one of the most famous tourist sites not only in Myanmar but also in the whole region if not the world.

THANK YOUTHANK YOU