UNION Minister U Maung Maung Ohn held the coordination meeting for the development of the Hotels and Tourism sector in Mandalay Region on 5 March 2021 in Mandalay. The meeting was attended by the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Myanmar Hotelier Association (Mandalay), Union of Myanmar Travel Association (Mandalay), Myanmar Restaurants Association (Mandalay) and Myanmar Souvenir Entrepreneurs Association (Mandalay). At the meeting, the Union Minister said the resumption of tourism would focus on domestic travel. Not only tourists but also employees working in the tourism industry need to work in accordance with the COVID-19 rules and regulations. The Ministry has developed the Enchanting Myanmar Health and Safety Protocols in accordance with the regulations issued by the Ministry of Health and Sports and the guidelines of international tourism organizations such as UNWTO/WTTC. The Union Minister called on the hoteliers to work together for the reopening of hotels after the inspection in accordance with the COVID-19 prevention guidelines. He added the need to pay attention to improving services and marketing, including developing new tourist destinations as Myanmar is rich in tourism resources, and tourism is a lucrative business that contributes a lot to the development of the country. The meeting also discussed to continue to develop the Community Based Tourism—CBT which identifies the traditional culture of the ethnic nationalities and directly beneficial to the residents; preparation for the resumption of tourism and the human resource development of the hotels and tourism sector; COVID-19 tests for passengers travelling by express buses and the reduction of the Test Kit price; tax reduction and loan assistance by the government to the restaurant businesses. The Union Minister also met with Chairman of the Mandalay Region Administration Council U Maung Ko and discussed the reopening of hotels and tourism, approval of hotel licences as soon as possible and matters related to tourism promotion. After paying homage to the Maha Muni Pagoda in Mandalay, the Union Minister inspected Hotel Shwe Pyi Thar’s preparation in accordance with the COVID-19 preventive guidelines to be reopened. MNA Photo –MNA Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar