Myanmar: Tourism industry copes with manpower shortage

Growth opportunity comes along with challenges

Within 4 years under a new political regime, Myanmar witnessed a dramatic growth in tourist arrivals, from just above 800,000 in 2011 to more than 4.68 million in 2015. Estimated by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism of Myanmar, at least 6 million visitors will have travelled to this country by the end of 2016.

Golden Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan, Myanmar (source: lonelyplanet.com)

Inle Lake, Shan State, Myanamar (source: lonelyplanet.com)

Myanmar's beauty has now become accessible for outsiders to explore, bringing the country a great development opportunity. However, in order to fully untap this economic potential, more experienced workers and expertise in tourism are in urgent need.

Shortage of qualified manpower is an issue facing many industries. Explained by Piyamal Pichaiwongse from the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Yangon, the cause is “human resources have been left unattended for a long time”

As the country is growing rapidly with more foreign investment pouring in, Myanmar becomes more aware of the importance of manpower in maintaining and enhancing this growth.

How to cope with shortage in human resource?

To make the best out of development opportunity, Myanmar has been actively investing in vocational training, particularly for workers in the hospitality sector.

The Hospitality and Catering Training Academy (HTCA) founded in 2014 is a notable example of the efforts made by Myanmar to accommodate the need for manpower. The course offered by HTCA lasts eight months, providing students with relevant knowledge and skills in hotel operation as well as culinary arts. Internship is included in the program which allow learners to work at least two months at school's in-house restaurants, guesthouses, partner hotels and eateries.

HCTA alumi are now working in renowned hotels and restaurants without any difficulties, according to Thaw Zin Maung Maung, the school principal. He also added it would be a good prospect for the future of Myanmar tourism industry.

HCTA students, Myanmar (source: hctamyanmar.org)

According to the Asia Development Bank (ADB) tourism in Myanmar could create up to 1.4 million jobs for the locals by 2020, as the country will attract around 7.5 millions foreign visitor arrivals in the same year./.

Channel News Asia ( Phi Yen )