Myanmar aims to harmonize hotel industry, environment
Myanmar aims to harmonize hotel industry, environment
Myanmar Times, 05 Feb 2018
URL: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/myanmar-aims-harmonise-hotel-industry-environment.html
The newfound political stability in Myanmar since the peaceful transition to democracy began two years ago has led to a boom in the country’s hotel industry, buoyed by the influx of tourists.
But in the rush to construct more hotels to provide accommodation for the bourgeoning tourism sector, issues related to environment and environmental conservation have been glossed over.
Authorities have begun taking a closer look at environment issues facing the hotel industry, such as sanitation and wastewater treatment, and environment activists are calling for stricter enforcement of regulations.
According to the Hotel and Tourism Ministry, most hotels and guesthouses are located in popular tourist destination, such as Yangon, which has 380; Mandalay, 201; Bagan-Nyaung, 85; Nay Phi Taw, 64; and Inle-Nyaung Shwe, 104.
Only five hotels in Myanmar met the ASEAN Green Hotel Awards standards.
The Department of Hotel and Tourism in Mandalay released a directive in December 2017 for all hotels in the Bagan-Nyaung U region to install water purification systems and set up wastewater treatment facilities as soon as possible or face cancellation of their licenses.
The wastewater treatment equipment cost between K5 million and K30 million (US$3761 and $22,569) in the market. The prices of water purification system depend on the design and the number of rooms and the size of the hotel.
The developer have to draw first environmental management plan before installing these systems. Once the plan is drawn, the establishment has to submit it to the Environmental Conservation Department (ECD) under the ministry of Resource and Environmental Conservation.
The ECD will approve their proposal if it completes the standard and requirements set by the office. The ECD’s approval is needed to secure hotel construction permit and well as hotel operation license.
But in the rush to construct more hotels to provide accommodation for the bourgeoning tourism sector, issues related to environment and environmental conservation have been glossed over.
Authorities have begun taking a closer look at environment issues facing the hotel industry, such as sanitation and wastewater treatment, and environment activists are calling for stricter enforcement of regulations.
According to the Hotel and Tourism Ministry, most hotels and guesthouses are located in popular tourist destination, such as Yangon, which has 380; Mandalay, 201; Bagan-Nyaung, 85; Nay Phi Taw, 64; and Inle-Nyaung Shwe, 104.
Only five hotels in Myanmar met the ASEAN Green Hotel Awards standards.
The Department of Hotel and Tourism in Mandalay released a directive in December 2017 for all hotels in the Bagan-Nyaung U region to install water purification systems and set up wastewater treatment facilities as soon as possible or face cancellation of their licenses.
The wastewater treatment equipment cost between K5 million and K30 million (US$3761 and $22,569) in the market. The prices of water purification system depend on the design and the number of rooms and the size of the hotel.
The developer have to draw first environmental management plan before installing these systems. Once the plan is drawn, the establishment has to submit it to the Environmental Conservation Department (ECD) under the ministry of Resource and Environmental Conservation.
The ECD will approve their proposal if it completes the standard and requirements set by the office. The ECD’s approval is needed to secure hotel construction permit and well as hotel operation license.