Government plans Ngapali expansion

RAKHINE STATE, 21 October 2013: Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism has identified four zones for hotel expansion at Ngapali Beach to accommodate an increase in tourist arrivals.

Ngapali Beach Bayview Hotel manager, Myat Moe, told local media that the government intends to develop the west coast beach resort on the Bay of Bengal (18.26N, 94.19E). It is the country’s main beach destination and could ultimately compete with Thailand’s beach destinations far to the south.

“I understand that the Minister of Hotels and Tourism submitted four areas for expansion around Thandwe (Ngapali Beach) to the president when he visited Thandwe recently.

“The areas are in front of the Thandwe (Ngapali) Golf Resort and near Singaung village, Linnthar village, and Mawyone village,” he said.

According to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, President Thein Sein, gave instructions for the hotel zone expansion after meeting with Ngapali Beach hoteliers during his visit to Thandwe. The project that will require installation of utilities will cost the government 5 billion kyats before plots could be leased or sold to hotel developers.

Located in Rakhine State, Ngapali Beach has just 17 hotels and already is packed during the November to April season. There are only about 750 rooms with a maximum capacity for 1,500 guests.

The main drawback is the strong monsoon winds and strorms that blow in from Bay of Bengal during May to October. It virtually makes the area a six-month beach destination.

The government has been promoting a number of spots in Rakhine State, despite racial tensions in the area, riots and attacks on Muslim communities. The main attractions in the area include Ngapali Beach, Pearl Island, Thandwe, Sittwe, Rakhine Cultural Museum, Buddhist Museum, Shittaung Pagoda, Koethaung Pagoda, Mahamuni Pagoda, and Mrauk-U Museum.

Bombings in the capital city of Yangon and racial tensions could hit bookings. Tour operators are cautious about the potential impact just ahead of the main tourist season.

“Proper attention should be given to security aspects. Not only in Yangon but also in other cities such as Pyin Oo Lwin and Mandalay, we are alerting hotels across the country to boost their security,” said the ministry in a statement to local press.

source: TTR Weekly
http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2013/10/government-plans-ngapali-expansion/