Myanmar Minister of Tourism disagrees on foreign visitors staying in private homes

YANGON- The daily English-speaking newspaper Myanmar Times reported a few days ago that Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Htay Aung was not in favour of foreign visitors staying in private homes in Myanmar “as their manners are not appropriate for local residents” as quoted from the Minister.

The Minister indicated that foreigners would probably have difficulties to follow the customs of locals and if they do not, it might create a cultural shock for their guests. He was referring at customs such as sleeping facing the east or the fact to share only a single spoon when eating soup in a family.

All these comments came during a meeting of Mandalay’s tourism players – including hoteliers and tour guides. The Minister then indicated that “homestays” would only be considered as suitable when foreigners visit remote areas and where they are no other choices. Where hotels are available, he added, particularly in larger urban centres such as Yangon or Mandalay, such arrangements should not be permitted.

“The manners of some foreigners are not appropriate for Myanmar people. But we have to choose homestay where there are no hotels or guest houses. In the meantime, we also need to [stay] strictly alert to possible risks,” he said at the meeting, which was held at Mandalay’s Swan Hotel.

While technically banned, homestays can however be arranged by guides when tourists go on multidays treks. They would generally stay at monasteries.

The Myanmar Times quoted Ko Thaung Naing Oo, from the Myanmar Tourist Guide Association’s Mandalay branch, who explained that homestays would certainly help to alleviate the country’s hotel shortage. However, it would then request from tour operators to make an effort of explaining properly to visitors what are the customs and the way to behave as a private guest of a Myanmar host family.

The current lack of adequate accommodation for visitors to Myanmar is a concern as tourism continues to grow rapidly. After topping a million foreign travellers last year, The Minister for Hotels and Tourism indicated earlier in July that tourist arrivals are growing by 30% this year and that visitors could reach 1.8 million travellers by year end.

Talking to Myanmar Upper House, Minister U Htay Aung declared that the country is still “in need to develop infrastructure, supporting and providing services in line with the tourist increase. We have about 30,000 hotel rooms ready for the tourists. About 10,000 more rooms will be ready in the end of this year”.