Myanmar Readies Hotel Star Ratings

Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is introducing a star rating system at hotels across the country, according to a report in the Myanmar Times.

The one to three-star system is designed to “improve and maintain the service at hotels” targeting mostly foreign visitors, a government spokesman said.

“So far we have rated 74 hotels in Nay Pyi Taw, Bagan-Nyaung U, and Taunggyi-Inle, and the ministry is installing a bronze star symbol at these hotels based on their rating,” he said. “We will continue monitoring the services of these hotels and the star status may upgrade or degrade in the future due to their facilities and services.”

The ministry has designated 13 three-star, seven two-star and one one-star hotel in Nay Pyi Taw; 11 three-star, seven two-star and four one-star hotels in Bagan-Nyaung U, and 10 three-star, eight two-star and 13 one-star hotels in Taunggyi-Inle.

The spokesman said ratings would be given to hotels in Yangon, Mandalay, and other key destinations.

“We have finished checking the facilities and services of hotels in downtown Yangon, but we still need more time to check all the hotels throughout Yangon Region. After we have finished, we will submit (our recommendations) to the ministry,” said U Tin Win, Chairman of the Yangon Hoteliers Association.

Traders Hotel Communications Manager Daw Lwin Mar Aung, said, “I believe the rating system is fair and accurate … and will end some problems among the hoteliers. Before many hotels were rating their own properties as three star or four star.”

Ministry figures show Myanmar has 691 licensed hotels with more than 23,454 rooms. The government is anticipating the launch of more than 50 hotels across the country over the next two years.

Source: Myanmar Times (By Zaw Win Than and Yu Yu Maw)