Myanmar government will open five out of twelve pearl farms in Tanintharyi Region for local and foreign visitors starting from October 2018 in order to boost tourism industry

Myanmar will open five out of twelve pearl farming sites in Tanintharyi Region for local and foreign visitors starting from October, according Myanmar Pearl Enterprise (Myeik).

The aim is to boost the tourism industry, but only tourists who have purchased a pack-age from tour companies are allowed. Individual visitors are not allowed to visit the sites, said Daw Aye Aye Cho, Deputy Manager of Myanmar Pearl Enterprise (Myeik).

The sites that have been opened are Pearl Island, Jalan Island, Shwe Island, Nga Lone Laphel Island in Kawkthaung District, and Done Pale Aw Island. Interested visitors must buy tickets to the site one day in advance.

“We work with tour companies. Local visitors must pay K15,00 and foreigners $15 to our office. And we do not allow motor boats expect the ones from our department because oyster breeding is very sensitive,’’ she said.

Visitors will get two hours on tour inside the site but are not allowed to stay overnight and limited to some location because of the sensitive nature of the industry.

Moreover, the department will provide legal documents for the buyers, who purchase pearls at the sites, in line with custom law so that they can carry their purchased items. It will also provide guide services to visitors and sell art crafts made from oyster shells.

Pearl farming is a sensitive business, and it takes up to four years to make a pearl. Thus, it is important for visitors and tour companies need to keep the environmental issue and nature of the business in mind in order to avoid any harm to the nature or industry, Daw Aye Aye Cho said.

(Myanmar Business Today: https://www.mmbiztoday.com/articles/myanmar-opens-five-pearl-farms-tourists )

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