Institute for International Development

Chin State Development Plan

Tourism Summary Report

Yangon February 2014

Contents

Maps: Areas visited during study Northern & Southern Chin State ……………………………………………………………...... 4

1 Report Background ...... 6 2 Document Purpose ...... 6 3 Geographical Area of Focus ...... 6 4 Methodology ...... 6 4.1 Field Visit Itinerary ...... 7 4.2 Travel Times ...... 13 4.3 Research constraints ...... 13 5 Tourism Context of Myanmar ...... 14 6 Summary of Findings: ...... 14 6.1 Chin State Tourism Summary ...... 14 6.1.1 Geography and Context ...... 14 6.1.2 Current Tourism Activities and Statistics ...... 14 6.1.3 Companies offering tourism in Chin state ...... 15 6.1.4 Current Estimated Visitor Flows ...... 16 6.1.5 Seasonality & Climate ...... 16 6.2 Tourism Resources ...... 16 6.2.1 Accommodation ...... 16 6.2.2 Community Accommodation and Homestays ...... 17 6.2.3 Planned accommodations and hotel zones ...... 18 6.2.4 Food & Drink ...... 18 6.2.5 Local Products ...... 19 6.3 Human Resources ...... 19 6.3.1 Language ...... 20 6.4 Health and Hygiene ...... 20 6.5 Environmental Issues ...... 20 6.5.1 Fuel Wood: Cooking and Heating ...... 20 6.5.2 Water ...... 21 6.5.3 Waste Water ...... 21 6.5.4 Solid Waste and Plastics ...... 21 6.5.5 Land Management Practices ...... 21 6.5.6 Wildlife ...... 21 6.6 Infrastructure ...... 22 6.6.1 Roads ...... 22 6.6.2 Airports ...... 23 6.6.3 Transport ...... 23 6.6.4 Electricity ...... 23 6.6.5 Telecommunications and Internet ...... 24 6.6.6 Information Services ...... 24 6.7 Institutional Capacity ...... 24 6.8 Visiting Chin State ...... 24 7 Key Tourism Assets of Chin State ...... 25 7.1 Landscape Assets and Intangible Heritage ...... 25 7.1.1 Mountains ...... 25 7.1.2 Adventure activities ...... 26 7.1.3 Mount Victoria Trekking ...... 26 7.1.4 Villages ...... 26 7.1.5 Wildlife watching ...... 26 7.2 Heritage Sites ...... 27 7.2.1 Mount Kennedy (Tedim) ...... 27 7.2.2 Rih Lake (Falam) ...... 27 7.2.3 Falam Cultural Sites ...... 27 7.2.4 Hakha and Mindat Towns ...... 28 7.3 National Parks and Protected Areas ...... 28 7.3.1 Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria) National Park ...... 28 7.3.2 Thautu and Ciriangtu Wildlife Sanctuaries (Thantlang) ...... 29 7.3.3 Mount Zinghmunh (Falam) ...... 29 7.3.4 Kyauk Pan Taung Wildlife Sanctuary (Paletwa) ...... 29 7.4 Paletwa ...... 29 7.5 Tongzang ...... 29 8 SWOT Summary ...... 30 9 Key Issues, Potential Markets and Growth ...... 30 10 Recommendations ...... 31 10.1 Strategic Level - Develop strategic directions of tourism for Chin State ...... 32 10.2 Detailed study of potential trekking routes in Chin State ...... 32 10.3 Detailed study of potential heritage sites in Falam Township and development of small scale management plan ...... 32 10.4 Comprehensive community consultations at potential sites ...... 33 10.5 Risk assessment and incident planning training ...... 33 10.6 Work with out of state tour operators to Develop Tour Operator Standards and Guidelines and Codes of Practice for Low Impact Tourism ...... 33 10.7 Conduct tourism assessment in Paletwa when situation improves ...... 34 10.8 Small Scale Infrastructure and Skills Support for Guesthouse Operators ...... 34 10.9 Website for Information ...... 34 10.10 Create Chin State Tourism Association / Coordinating Body ...... 35 10.11 Investigate the Introduction of Fuel-Efficient Stoves or Improved Firewood Management ...... 35 10.12 Implement Language Improvement Programme in Communities Exposed to Tourism ...... 35 10.13 Develop Interpretation Plan ...... 35 10.14 Visitor Data Recording System ...... 36 10.15 Investigate Management Options for Solid and Liquid Waste management ...... 36 10.15.1 Solid Waste Management Plan ...... 36 10.15.2 Liquid Waste Management Plan ...... 36 10.16 Guidelines for Appropriate Accommodation in the State, embracing Green Technologies ...... 36 10.17 Support Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria) National Park Fulfil its Objectives ...... 36 10.18 Develop Management Plan for Rih Lake ...... 37 11 Priority Proposals ...... 38 11.1 Trekking Route Feasibility Study ...... 38 11.2 Planning for the Future – Strategic Directions for Chin State Tourism ...... 39 11.3 Development of Chin State Tourism Website ...... 40 11.4 Development of Chin State Tourism Association ...... 41 11.5 Tourism Asset Assessment Paletwa ...... 43 11.6 Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria) National Park Management Plan ...... 43 11.7 Feasibility Study to create Falam Heritage Trail ...... 45 11.8 Management Plan for Rih Lake ...... 46 11.9 Guide Training and Language Support Pilot for Target Areas in Chin State ...... 47 11.10 Guesthouse Infrastructure Support ...... 48

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 3 Map of Areas Visited During Study: Northern Chin State

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 4 Map of Areas Visited During Study: Southern Chin State

Note: Maps are developed using GPS Visualizer with Google Terrain Map overlaid with GPS Data gathered during Chin State Field visit from 8 to 23 January 2014. Maps are for illustrative purposes only for this report and should not be published in public documents. The research team is in the process of producing usable maps with the cooperation of the Myanmar Information Management Unit.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 5 1 Report Background The Institute for International Development – Myanmar (IID) has been provided with funding from Danida and UNICEF to undertake a comprehensive needs assessment and to assist and facilitate the formulation of a Regional Development and Local Social Protection Plan for Chin State. The objective of the project is: “The Chin people will have greater capacity to plan for their own futures, whilst also having a new Chin State Regional Development Plan and Chin State Local Social Plan, both for their own use and to present their ideas to potential donors and investors”.

2 Document Purpose This document feeds directly into the above-mentioned Chin State Regional Comprehensive Development and Local Social Plan. It provides an overview of fieldwork conducted during January 2014 in Chin State by a team appointed by IID; analysis key issues related to tourism and presents recommendations and priority proposals for the sector.

3 Geographical Area of Focus

Map of Chin State This study focuses on Chin State in North Western Myanmar, bordering the Bangladeshi state of Chittalong to the west, the Indian states of Mizoram to the west and Manipur to the north, with the Myanmar states of Sagaing and Magway to the east and Rakhine to the south.

Chin state is divided into 9 Townships for administrative purposes as follows: Falam, Matupi, Mindat, Tedim, Kanpetlet, Paletwa, Tongzang, Thantlang and Hakha (the administrative centre).

Total area of the state is approximately 36,000 square kilometres with an estimated population of 600,000.

Map adaption courtesy of the Myanmar Information Management Unit MIMU - [email protected] www.themimu.info Map ID: MIMU182v03 Creation Date: 17 April 2012.A3 Project ion/Datum: Geographic/WGS84

4 Methodology A research mission took place to Chin State from 8 to 23 January 2014. The mission was divided into two main parts: a workshop and series of meetings from 9 to 13 January in Hakha Town, the administrative capital of Chin State, followed by a field visit to tourism sites and townships from 13 to 23 January. Workshops and meetings in Hakha town were part of the larger research mission comprising all teams comprising the plan (Agriculture, Social Protection, Gender, MSME, Education, Health and Training); after the 13th, teams dispersed to conduct focused research in townships.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 6 As part of the Hakha workshops, a tourism focus group was created comprising 10 participants from government and civil sector with representatives from 8 of the state’s 9 townships. A brief tourism orientation workshop was held with the group to gain an understanding of strategic directions of tourism in the state. Within this workshop potential tourism destinations within each township that should be visited by the research team were identified.

Left and right: Participants select potential tourism sites and locations to visit.

These were based upon participant understanding of tourism and “site” based, but provided a base framework for research.

During this workshop the IID research team for tourism was allocated, comprising the following team members:

Mike Haynes Tourism Sub-Team Leader Ngun Za Humung Junior Tourism Specialist Ca Lien Thang GIS Specialist Tluang Chin Sung Logistics and Administration Office

This was followed by a 10 day field study, where the team aimed to visit sites identified as well as hold focus group meetings with relevant government, civil society and community stakeholders. As infrastructure is poor in the state, all townships and sites could not be visited, so for practical reasons destinations were rationalised based upon their accessibility within the time frame. In each township a local travel companion was identified to facilitate access to potential sites and organise meetings with township administrative units and community members. The research visit should be viewed as a “snapshot” of Chin state for the purposes of developing this document.

4.1 Field Visit Itinerary The following summarises the research mission (Please see the maps on pages 4 and 5 for locations)

Date Destinations Activities and remarks 7 – 8 Travel from Kale (or Kalay) in Sagaing State is the gateway for central and northern Chin state, Jan Yangon, overnight and is a commercial hub, providing the main market for goods to and from the in Kale (Kalay) and state, and on to India. Four guesthouse/hotels are available in the town, which drive to Hakha are often fully booked with business travellers. Currently there is generally one flight (by ATR72) per day. Kale is also home to most of the weaving operations providing traditional clothes to Hakha.

9 – 11 Workshops in A series of workshops was held in Hakha to introduce the full IID Team, mission Jan Hakha objectives and organise logistics for the following field visits. Workshops included wide objectives of Agriculture, Social Protection, Gender, MSME, Education, Health and Training. For the purposes of tourism, a working group was set up with representatives from all townships (excluding Paletwa) from government and civil society groups.

A tourism “vision” workshop was held with participants so the team could gain an understanding of participant’s thoughts on tourism and identify potential sites to

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 7 Date Destinations Activities and remarks visit.

The opportunity was taken to visit Hakha, a likely tourism hub due to its mountainous location and capital of Chin State. Various small scale guesthouse facilities are available as well as a variety of eateries. Hakha has a small number of shops selling traditional hand-woven clothing and basic tourism weavings such as bags and hats. The state museum (irregularly opening) is located here, along with a new tea museum. The town also has a basic golf course. 12 Jan IID Hakha Logistical Logistical planning workshop for team field visits AM: Workshops

PM: Aye Ve Village & Mt Village Transect, assess mountain track and village meeting: Aye Ve village and Mt Aye Hmungtlang Aye Hmungtlang were identified as a potential tourism site during logistical workshops. Aye Ve is 11 miles/1.5 hours drive from Hakha town, a village of Overnight: Hakha, approximately 50 households. The main attraction is the adjacent mountain peak. Grace GH 4 hour return trek to mountain, 9km, 650 metre altitude gain. Well-used, benched walking track to mountain peak, thin forest cover (degraded forest) with good views. Could potentially link village with a day visit from Hakha.

Aye Ve Village is relatively poor: few motorbikes and thatch roofed dwellings; agriculture is challenging, difficult for families to grow enough food to eat, lack of basic infrastructure. Some weaving, products sold in Hakha. Youth depopulation. Village has considered building a motorbike road to mountaintop to attract tourists.

13 Jan Meeting with Chin State-level meeting where the full IID team presented credentials and travel plan AM State Government to the state Government

PM Travel to Tedim, Travel day only after morning Government meeting in Hakha overnight, Cimnual Guesthouse 14 Jan Tedim: Meeting Township level meeting where the team introduced the mission and discussed the with Township GAD concept of tourism: The town was planning to build a welcome signboard at the town entrance and construct a small airport on an area of flat land adjacent to the town. Sites to visit were discussed as well as location of a proposed hotel zone. Tedim is a likely overnight stop to Rih Lake (Heart Shaped Lake), which is well known in Myanmar. Rih lake is adjacent to the important Indian border trading town of Rihkhuadar. Visited: Proposed Tedim Airport is 5km from Tedim town and will have a 2,000 ft paved runway for smaller Airport aircraft (an ATR72, the common aircraft in Myanmar is safety rated for 3,000 ft runways). No funds have been allocated yet, though a design has been produced.

Laitui Village Laitui Village is a small village on the road to Rih Lake and used as a rest stop, mostly by trade vehicles and buses, containing some teashops and eateries.

Lengtang Hotel A “hotel zone” site has been identified at Lengtang hamlet, which at present Zone (proposed) contains around 5 dwellings and a mobile telecom repeater station. Geographically it is located on a flat piece of land on a shoulder pass between two mountains, at a road junction. Evidently water (as well as power etc.) will be an issue, as well as the site’s remoteness. No investments or funds have been allocated as yet.

Himual Village Himual Village is a larger rest stop on-route to the Indian border and is a common lunch stop for traders and has a small number of eateries.

Rihkhuadar GAD Meeting with Rihkhuadar GAD (Rihkhuadar is a sub-township of Falam), to explain (Indian Border mission and discuss tourism options around the lake. It is uncommon for third-

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 8 Date Destinations Activities and remarks Town) country nationals to visit the lake. It is possible for Indian nationals to visit the lake and the town, and many small Indian taxis were observed (indicating better quality roads across the border). The town itself is small and of little tourism interest. Over 12,000 Indian nationals visited the lake in 2013; all must register at the immigration post on-route to the lake.

Rih (Heart shaped) The heart shaped lake is well known throughout Myanmar, and has various Lake legends attached. The lake itself indeed is in the shape of a heart when viewed from certain aspects, and has a small restaurant and bungalow concession, as well as boat trip provision. Bungalows are in poor condition, with only 2 functioning (apparently 2 people stayed there during 2013). The operator paid 500,000MMK Return Tedim, per month to the Union Government to run the concession; indicating profits were overnight in sufficient to cover this fee. The boat operation was of low quality. Pollution in the Cimnual lake was evident, with wastewater flowing into the lake from the concession and Guesthouse surrounding dwellings.

15 Jan Tedim to Falam: Village meeting and village project tour in Siangsawn village. The village contains a Siangsawn Village unique religious sect based around the teachings of a local prophet. The community was allocated land from the government to create a model community based on agricultural production, and they have an established guiding service and visitor centre for the village (some text in English, mostly in Burmese). They also have their own writing script, which apparently only elders can read. The site also contains a recreation of a traditional Chin Chief’s house, with various artefacts on display. Apparently over 1,000 visitors per year visit, the entrance fee to the village is 2,000MMK.

Mount Kennedy Mount Kennedy is Chin State’s second highest mountain, and was identified as a key tourism asset. However it is possible to drive by car to within 100 metres of the summit, which contains a Buddhist Pagoda, a TV repeater station and a telecom tower. The site is famous for a large battle between British and Japanese forces during the Second World War, and many fox holes could be seen: there may be an issue with UXO around the site.

Letatong Hotel By the junction of the Mount Kennedy Road (approximately 5km) is the location of Zone (proposed) a proposed hotel zone, on a shoulder pass between two mountain ranges, where “large hotels” were planned, but no investments were made to date. Water, other infrastructure and access would be an issue.

Fort White: British Approximately 500 metres from the hotel zone site is an abandoned cemetery, War Cemetery that apparently contains the remains of British military personnel killed during (unmarked) fighting during WWII. This was the location of Fort White, though no structures were visible. No gravestones were present, or other inscriptions, though the site was clearly not Chin (The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has been informed).

Sialom Chin-British A small military complex containing bunkers and trenches is actively maintained battle site and fort by the Department of Culture in a remote location close to Vokla Village. This commemorates a battle between Chin and British Militaries in the late 19th century over the construction of a road:

Vokla Village A village meeting took place with residents in Vokla Village, approximately 2km from Sialom battle site. The village has a considerable amount of flat land, and aesthetic appeal; the meeting took place in a traditional Chin Chiefs house that now operates as a winery. Interviewees expressed interest in being involved with Travel to Falam, tourism and it would provide a good location for overnight stays. Apparently overnight in Moon Sialom wine has a good reputation locally, some is exported to Kale. It is very Guesthouse sweet and made from grapes.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 9 Date Destinations Activities and remarks 16 Jan Falam Township A morning meeting was held with Falam township elders, who were very active breakfast meeting and proud to show the team key tourism sites in the area. 10 participants joined the team and travelled in a 4x4 minibus.

Taisun Village & Taisun Village is considered as the cradle of northern Chin civilisation, and is 5 km Chieftain’s House from Falam, predating the township capital. A welcome ceremony was provided for the team. The village is relatively poor, if accessible, with about half of the dwellings having thatched roofs. Depopulation has occurred, with few young people staying in the community. A local organisation is working to provide a boarding school in the village. The traditional Chief’s house was in a state of disrepair. Villagers offered the team traditional local foods of millet, beans and taro. A local hunter was also visited. Local counterparts and villagers felt the village could be created into a tourist attraction based upon the culture.

Lailung Project Site Lailung Cave and Integrated Development Centre is a church supported agricultural project approximately 9km from Falam. Geographically the area is small limestone karst landscape with two small caves and a rocky outcrop. The development project focuses upon developing terraced agriculture, and would like to consider the development of an ecolodge. Water is a clear issue as crops appeared desiccated. An entrance fee of 200MMK was charged.

Tlauhmun Village, Tlauhmun Village contains a salt well and a traditional chief’s house. The salt well salt well & produces a high quality salt with “medicinal” purposes. However it requires Chieftain’s House around 100 litres of water to produce 1kg of salt and subsequent high use of firewood for the evaporation process, and there is no access to a market for the Travel to Falam, product. The village chief held a welcome ceremony for the team, the local overnight in Holy speciality being stream caught fish. The village leader had prepared a letter Guesthouse requesting electricity to be provided for the village.

17 Jan Trek to Mount Zing Mount Zing Hmuh was identified as a key trekking attraction in the Falam – Hakha Humh via Laiva area, the trailhead being accessible from the main Kale – Falam – Hakha road, Dam, “Forest approximately 1 hour from Falam. Trekking has been identified (by the Village” & Ranthlo consultant) as a likely activity to focus tourism development. Village Briefly, the trek took 8 hours, was 13km with an altitude gain of 850 metres. The route included the Laiva dam and hydropower station, a remote forest community of five dwellings, some reasonable quality forest, a mountain lake and a very good ridge walk. It was possible to follow the ridge for a further two hours, to form a Travel to Hakha, longer route. Trekking utilised existing trails and conditions for walking were overnight Grace generally good, though the descent was severe, an alternative route would be Guesthouse recommended. In the opinion of the consultant, the trekking was very good.

18 Jan Meeting with A meeting and discussion was held with Thantlang administrative officials and Thantlang representatives from political parties and civil society. Tourism sites were community leaders identified as Thau Tu and Ciriang Tu forests as having wildlife viewing potential, and civil society (via Mount Mi-e-Pi for views of India and Lung Ma Li waterfall, all many hours drive Timit Valley) from the town.

Civil society and political organisations were in favour of homestays in communities, Government departments were strongly against this. Indeed Government was generally disapproving of tourism, citing problems such as Return to Hakha, prostitution and cultural impacts as an issue. overnight Grace Guesthouse The Timit valley was identified as a tourism site, primarily for local recreation.

19 Jan Travel from Hakha To travel from Hakha to Mindat the road leaves Chin State at Gangaw before to Mindat, all day returning at the junction town of Kyauth Thuh. Both of these towns have unused airports.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 10 Date Destinations Activities and remarks

In Mindat the team stayed at the Oasis Mountain Lodge, the only tourist class accommodation encountered to date in the mission (and the only lodge in the town). It is still under construction, but has a pleasant aspect and location. Two groups of tourists were met and interviewed, both on group tours, and were on Overnight Oasis longer (one month) duration visits to Myanmar, spending 4 days in Chin state, Mountain Lodge trekking from Kanpetlet to Mindat via Mount Victoria.

20 Jan Meetings and site Mindat was the first town visited that had some concept of tourism, receiving over visits in Mindat and 600 international arrivals in 2013, and an unknown (but anecdotally higher) surrounding areas: number of domestic visitors.

Market The team visited the local market, where a variety of tourist focused products (mostly weavings) were for sale. Some antique jewellery was for sale also. Interestingly market traders informed the team that Burmese visitors bought significantly more than international: for example, internationals may buy a small scarf, where nationals may purchase full clothing sets etc.

Mindat Golf Course Mindat has a golf course that is currently in a state of disrepair due to lack of water.

Pine Hill Spa Resort Pine Hill Spa Resort is currently under construction by the Hutu Kywn group as a high standard resort, over 40 acres. It will include 16 bungalows and an elephant and horse riding facility, as well as swimming pool and other facilities. Access to water and power will be an issue, no “green technologies” were observed.

Proposed hotel 8 to 9 other hotel sites have been presented to the town planning committee, sites each 10 acres in area. None have yet begun construction, and it was not clear if funds had been sourced.

U Orn Kie Museum A local private collector has opened a small museum with a collection of traditional artefacts. Currently there are few visitors, and a donation of 2,000MMK is expected.

Weaving schools Two weaving schools were visited. They normally did not receive any tourists, and did not sell products directly. The schools were in a state of decline with few students: managers felt there would be few opportunities for graduates as machine made fabric was cheaper than hand made.

Immigration An interview was held with the local immigration department to ascertain tourism Department growth.

Interviews with Managers of the Tun Guesthouse and Oasis lodge were interviewed. It is evident Guesthouse that there is considerable red tape surrounding tourism and investment, for managers and example 5 government departments must be informed of international guests tourists staying overnight.

Overnight Oasis Two further groups of tourists were interviewed, with similar results as above. Mountain Lodge

21 Jan Mt Victoria trek day The key tourism product of Chin state is centred around Mount Victoria and the 1: Trailhead 8.5km surrounding valleys home to the Munn tribe, known for older ladies tattooed from Mindat to the faces. An abridged version of a trek was arranged to take in the Mindat to Aye following villages: valley and mountain on day one, followed by a drive to the summit trailhead on day two. • Lope • Michit Day one: 8km drive to the trailhead from Mindat (at 822 metres); followed by a • Kyado 13km walk and an altitude gain of 1,000 metres (8 hours). Lunch break at Kyado

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 11 Date Destinations Activities and remarks • Mahone village (pack lunch), and informal interviews with villagers on-route. The team’s • Shin Chin members could not communicate with villagers in Chin language as the • Aye dialect was too different, the local guide facilitated this.

Villages in the valley were clearly poor, with narrow access trails passible on foot or by motorbike. Few motorbikes were seen, and virtually all dwellings have thatched roofs. Small scale agriculture (peas and beans) was the main crop along with elephant foot yams.

It was difficult to estimate the number of tourists that pass through the villages, but this was the main trekking route. Villagers estimated one or two small groups every few days. Few benefits of tourism were made in the villages; it is normal practice for tourists to tip for photos of the Mun Tattoo Faced Women, 2,000MMK for an informal picture, 5,000 for a posed portrait. No products were available for sale, and no food was purchased. The team was invited to drink millet beer and talk with two families. Assistance for new roads, clean water and electricity was requested. Few young adults were visible, most had left to find work elsewhere. Malnutrition was evident in the villages.

Overnight at Aye Aye Camp is a purpose built lodge located to above Aye village at 1,835 metres. Camp Constructed in 2012, 200 internationals stayed in 2012, with a similar number of domestic visitors (mostly from University groups). The site was developed from a homestay provision and is owned by the village administrator. Staff were from Mandalay.

22 Jan Mt Victoria trek day The team re-joined the road from Mindat to Kanpetlet to reach the trailhead for 2: Trailhead to Mount Victoria: 4 hours return, 11km, altitude gain of 350 metres, summit at peak 3,081 metres. Mount Victoria is part of Mount Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria) National Park.

A road to the summit was constructed in 2012, which detracted somewhat from the experience; there was a Buddhist pagoda adjacent. Views were very good, however impacts of tourism were noted, there was a reasonable amount of plastic waste at the summit. It was rumoured that the construction of a casino had been considered. The road from Kanpetlet to Mindat is currently being significantly widened.

A high scale resort (the Sky Palace Villa) is under construction close to the National Park Boundary. Two other resorts are near by, the Oasis Ecolodge and Pine View Resort

Travel to Kanpetlet An interview was held in Kanpetlet with the Township Administrator and GAD, no and meet with GAD further tourism plans were considered for the town at this stage, other than the and interview Oasis road and current developments. Key issues in the town were lack of water and Resort Manager communications.

Overnight Oasis The manager of Oasis Ecolodge explained how tourism was growing slowly in Resort Kanpetlet Kanpetlet, growing from 120 guests per year in 2010 to 12, to 250 in 2013. A big concern was construction of roads in the national park.

23 Jan Meetings in Mount Victoria National Park has a total of 35 staff including 4 experts: Orchid, Kanpetlet: Bird, Medicinal Plant and Reptile. No entrance fees are charged, sometimes National Park Office experts are requested by tourists and researchers to accompany them. Key issues regarding the National Park included: Low budget, low language skills of staff, illegal hunting and logging, shifting cultivation and road construction.

Forest Protection Significant issues concerning the Forest Department included shifting cultivation, Department communications and illegal logging. They requested support for wastewater and

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 12 Date Destinations Activities and remarks environmental management. There is a local National Resource Watch Group. Travel to Bagan Mung River was identified as having potential for rafting.

4.2 Travel Times

With the poor infrastructure travel in Chin State is dictated by time rather than distance. On better- surfaced roads average speed was 22kph, better quality un-surfaced roads 18kph and poorer quality roads 14kph.

The picture (left) shows a section of the main road from Tedim to Rihkhuadar, one of the main Chin State- India border crossing points. Roads such as this are typical throughout the state.

Example travel times are as follows:

Route Distance (km) Time (Hours) Kale to Hakha 190 12 Hakha to Tedim 185 12 Tedim to Rih Lake 65 4 Hakha to Thantlang 30 2.5 Hakha to Mindat 287 12 Kanpetlet to Bagan 200 8

4.3 Research constraints For each township visited, teams were requested to conduct township level meetings with government and non- government actors, village tract level meetings and to conduct meetings and Participatory Rural Appraisal in a well off village and a poor village, as well as a village close to the main town, and another remoter village. In practical terms this was not possible for the tourism team, who also visited some of the more remote potential trekking destinations, and the inability to organise many meetings in advance with the poor communications in the state: most roads are very mountainous and unsurfaced, subject to landslides, with journey times extremely variable.

By necessity many meetings were conducted with local government and civil service members, many of whom are not from Chin state, but from elsewhere in Myanmar. Decentralisation is in an early stage in Myanmar and there is still a mistrust of government and a feeling expressed by some Chin participants that the government administration may not accurately reflect or fully understand the needs of the Chin people. It was also challenging to visit local communities without the presence of government, which may affect how Chin people communicated with the team.

As other teams were also conducting research at the same time, local government departments and civil society organisations were very busy, as they were not used to they types of activities planned by the team. Thus it was not possible for the tourism team to meet all township leaders and organisations.

With the given time constraints and administrative issues (it is still necessary to obtain special travel permits and permission to visit certain areas) Tongzang, Paletwa and Matupi were not visited. It is not possible to access Paletwa from the remainder of the state: access is through Sitwe in Rakhine State, which is itself subject to travel

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 13 restrictions. The gathering of data and information poses its own challenges in Chin State, where records are kept on paper and issues exist concerning the sharing of information from official sources.

5 Tourism Context of Myanmar Tourism in Myanmar is at an important stage in the country’s development. The 2011 transition from military to civilian government and the subsequent lifting of many international sanctions has put Myanmar in the “spotlight” of the tourism industry with much growth expected: in 2012 international arrivals exceeded over 1 million for the first time in the country’s history. Myanmar’s tourism product as a whole is at an early stage: destinations are underdeveloped, infrastructure is poor, and there is little planning experience within government and relevant authorities. Value for money is perceived as low compared to other countries in South East Asia, however tourism will certainly continue to grow as the product improves and diversifies.

The 2012 Myanmar Responsible Tourism Policy defines the country as “cultural and natural heritage tourism” focused, outlining a number of important heritage sites as key assets and locations for tourism development.

Tourism development is beginning to be targeted and supported by the international donor community at both macro and micro level. In September 2013 a new Community Involvement in Tourism Policy was launched to provide a model for community interaction with tourism.

6 Summary of Findings:

6.1 Chin State Tourism Summary

6.1.1 Geography and Context Chin state is remote and mountainous with elevations of 1,800 metres above sea level in Hakha, the administrative capital, 1,600 metres in Tedim and 900 metres in Rihkhuadar. The Manipur River runs through the state with the Tayawbar River forming part of the border with India in the north. There is generally very little flat land available, with the main land use being rotational agriculture: productivity is generally considered to be low, with associated issues of land exhaustion from such practices.

There are still large areas of primary forest, though much has been accessed for selective logging and the collection of non-timber forest products. There are considerable areas of regenerating secondary forest.

Mount Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria in English), Myanmar’s second tallest mountain is located to the south in Kanpetlet Township.

6.1.2 Current Tourism Activities and Statistics Chin state has an underdeveloped infrastructure, and for many reasons an extremely limited number of international visitors. It has been effectively been illegal for international leisure tourists to enter the state until September 2013, with some exceptions of pre-organised government tours to Mount Victoria in the south of the state.

The state has seen some tourism in the form of visiting friends and relatives, particularly from the large number of Chin people living overseas, as well as day visits to a small number of locations close to the Indian border for day visitors. The state is also predominantly Christian, and has seen some international missionary visitors over the years. Much of the current tourism activities take place in the south of the state based around Mount Victoria and the valleys surrounding Mindat. This area is famous for the tattoo faced ladies of the Munn tribe. According to the Department of Immigration, there were 817 international arrivals in Kanpetlet township (the most accessible township with most facilities) in 2013, these will likely include INGO staff and business travellers as well as leisure tourists.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 14 No data was available for domestic visits, however it is likely to be low due to the poor infrastructure. Discussions with guesthouse owners suggested that most domestic visitors were business tourists engaged in selling of medicines or fertilizers and so on.

International Arrivals to Chin State 2012-3 (including business and NGO travellers)

Hakha Data unavailable Full data on international arrivals was not available from all Falam Data unavailable townships or at state level. There is effectively no “leisure” Tedim 28 tourism outside of Mindat and Kanpetlet, which comprise the Tonzang Data unavailable main focus of current tourism activities in the state. It may be Thantlang Data unavailable assumed that northern townships with the exception of Hakha receive minimal annual arrivals measured in the low 100s. The Mindat 626 figure will be more in Hakha where NGOs will travel to conduct Matupi 38 their business. There was no data available for domestic Kanpetlet 764 visitors. Paletwa Travel restrictions in place Day visits to Rih 12,793 Data recording is minimal and compiled by hand, most Lake from India government offices do not have computers.

6.1.3 Companies offering tourism in Chin state A small number of tour operators offer tours to Chin State, which are mostly focused around Mount Victoria due to its accessibility from the tourist hubs of Bagan and Mandalay to the south of the state. Tours to wider areas are offered in some cases as well. Some offer special interest trips, such as bird watching. Key phrases used in marketing descriptions include “remote and rugged… un-spoilt… and Tattoo Faced Chin Women”.

It is unclear actually how many trips actually take place, or what level of subcontracting is involved. A Google search revealed the following in-country companies (in order of “Chin State Tours” search, this list will likely not be comprehensive):

Company Tour Type Marvelous Memory Travel and Tours General & Mt Victoria Trekking MT & K Tourism Company Ltd General & Mt Victoria Trekking Trip Planner Co. Ltd General & Mt Victoria Trekking Myanmar MTE Tours General & Mt Victoria Trekking Orient Myanmar Travel & Tours Bird Watching Tours Myanmar Travel & Tours General & Mt Victoria Trekking Lets Go Myanmar General & Mt Victoria Trekking Myanmar Explore General & Mt Victoria Trekking Asterism Travels & Tours - Myanmar General & Mt Victoria Trekking Myanmar Diaries General & Mt Victoria Trekking Rubyland Tour Services General & Mt Victoria Trekking Gracious Myanmar Travel General & Mt Victoria Trekking Golden Orbit Travels General & Mt Victoria Trekking Taste of Myanmar General & Mt Victoria Trekking Leisure Travel & Tours Myanmar General & Mt Victoria Trekking Interstar Tours Myanmar “Bespoke tours” AB Adventure Burma General & Mt Victoria Trekking Tour Mandalay General & Mt Victoria Trekking Myanmar Escape Travel & Tours Hakha and Northern Chin State

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 15 6.1.4 Current Estimated Visitor Flows

Map showing the main entrance points for Chin State. These are estimates based upon data supplied from Township Immigration Departments, based upon international visitors. The figure of 1,500 is optimistically high, and will include NGO workers, missionaries and so on.

Visitors to Hakha and the north do not include border visitors, who would likely be visiting on business. The map clearly shows that tourism is limited in Chin State.

No data is available for Paletwa or any other border towns that were not visited during the study: no specific cross border sites were mentioned during stakeholder discussions. A significant infrastructure development project is currently taking place in Paletwa, which may contribute cross-border visitors.

Map adaption courtesy of the Myanmar Information Management Unit MIMU www.themimu.info Map ID: MIMU182v03 Creation Date: 17 April 2012.A3 Project ion/Datum: Geographic/WGS84

6.1.5 Seasonality & Climate

Chin State has a cool climate due Climate Chart for Hakha to its high elevation, with mean temperatures rarely reaching 400 25 above 25 degrees Celsius. 350 20 300 Winters are cool, with average temperatures under 15 from 250 15 200 Rainfall (mm) December to March with colder 10 nights. The rainy season peak is 150 Celcius (mean) from May through to October 100 5 when many roads become 50 inaccessible due to landslides. 0 0 Data sourced from: www.myanmartravelagent.com/mya Jul Jan Jun Oct Feb Sep Apr Dec Aug Nov Mar nmar-climate-data.htm May

The “best” season to visit Chin State was universally stated as being between November and January, with a shoulder season of October and February through to May. June through to September were not good times to visit due to the high levels of rain and associated road closures from landslides.

6.2 Tourism Resources

6.2.1 Accommodation The current accommodation provision is generally of low standard and is generally inadequate and overpriced for quality. Accommodation is also limited in terms of rooms and beds. Only Mindat and Kanpetlet have “tourist standard” accommodation, with new higher standard resorts either planned or already under construction.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 16 “Hotel Zones” have also been identified in Tedim Township, although there are no immediate investors as yet: local government envisaged these as larger mountain lodge resort style accommodations. All accommodation is located either in or close to township administrative capitals.

Accommodation by Township:

Township Accommodation Hakha 4 basic guesthouses Falam 4 basic guesthouses, basic accommodation available at Rih Lake (2 cabins) Tedim 3 basic guesthouses Tonzang Data not available – likely limited Thantlang 1 basic guesthouse Mindat 3 basic guesthouses, one mountain lodge operating, one mountain lodge under construction, 8 other hotel / resorts have requested permission for land in the areas surrounding Mindat town Matupi Data not available – likely limited Kanpetlet 2 mountain lodge resorts, one under construction. The Township Administration informed the team no other accommodations were planned. Paletwa Data not available – likely limited

Each township also has a government guesthouse, which is generally not available for tourism purposes.

Basic guesthouses ranged between 10 and 30 beds, often with shared room facilities. Typically a guesthouse offers 1-2 “master bedrooms” with en-suite facilities as well as shared room accommodation with shared bathrooms. In general they are designed to be used by travelling tradespeople.

Guesthouse accommodation generally did not provide clean sheets, only blankets which were used by previous clients. Lack of facilities and capital were cited as a reason for this. Towels were also generally unavailable. (The resorts in Mindat and Kanpetlet offered better hotel standards, but were still basic).

No guesthouse was able to provide heating or running hot water, many could provide facilities only for bucket showers. Hot water could in most cases be ordered on request and delivered in thermos flasks for washing. See environmental issues for further details.

Issues such as hygiene and waste / wastewater management are issues in some accommodation, including the construction of new hotels and resorts.

Dual pricing between national and international visitors is normal practice, typically overnight accommodation varies from 3,000MMK to 5,000 MMK for national and 15,000 to 25,000MMK for international on a per bed basis. Interestingly national staff were asked to pay higher fees when accompanying an international guest.

Resort accommodation in Mindat and Kanpetlet was 20,000 – 25,000MMK for domestic and US$35 – 50 for international guests (in the case of Mindat, this was for an unfinished room).

6.2.2 Community Accommodation and Homestays Homestays are not permitted under current regulations in the state (or officially under Union law), nor is it possible for international visitors to stay overnight in villages. When asked about this, all government officials referred to the law, stating that the state favoured the construction of hotels. Chin people with overseas passports were however allowed to stay in villages.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 17 Civil society organisations and local communities felt that developing village level accommodation and services would be a good way to support local community development, provided it was managed sensitively and training was provided.

6.2.3 Planned accommodations and hotel zones Tedim Township indicated sites for two hotel zones, one adjacent to Mount Kennedy, the other toward Rih Lake. Mindat town has 8 to 9 hotel zones planned with one 40 acre resort site under construction, with Kanpetlet having a resort under construction too.

“Hotel Zones” are a national focus for hotel development based upon national understanding of tourism and policy, and have been discussed since the construction on Nai Pyi Taw in 2006. Each main tourism area of the country (Bagan, Inlay etc.) has a hotel zone planned.

Artist’s impression of Pine Hill Resort under The Sky Palace Villa under construction in Kanpetlet, construction in Mindat, of the same group that close to the National Park boundary. Both are aiming operates the same named resort in Kanpetlet for the higher end of the market.

6.2.4 Food & Drink Each township capital has a range of small scale tea-shops and eateries. Most towns have a basic restaurant serving Chin and Myanmar dishes, there are no international food options, but the range of foods available is relatively wide.

Maize soup, the traditional food and staple of Chin Zupu, traditional Chin millet “beer” brewed in State. villages.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 18 In addition to standard Myanmar food, local specialities included Mithon, millet and maize dishes utilizing tomatoes, garlic and shallot. Tea shops serve sweet Burmese tea and sugary donuts made from rice flour.

A range of sweet grape and other fruit wines are produced in-state for the local and domestic market. A local beer, “zupu” made from millet is popular in villages. Some villages have alcohol restrictions.

6.2.5 Local Products Local weaving products were noticeable products in Hakha, Mindat and to a lesser extent, Kanpetlet. Weaving is evidently a declining industry: few people wear traditional clothing, likely due to cheap imports of clothing from China. Most traditional clothing is machine made in Kale, where employment in the industry has also been declining (two weaving schools were visited in Mindat, both with few trainees, both managers stating there would likely be no jobs for graduate trainees).

Traditional weaving was observed in many villages, this was described as a “spare time” activity by weavers (all of whom were women). In one village close to Hakha, weavers aimed to make one item (typically a sarong) over two to three weeks, which would be sold in Hakha for 10-12,000MMK (and subsequently sold at retail for around 25-30,000MMK. Naturally hand made weavings fetched a higher price than machine made. All wool is market purchased and originates from China.

A shop selling traditional Chin products in Hakha. The Knives for sale with holders in Mindat town. They are owner informed the team that mostly she sold to basic but could be developed into a salable handicraft Myanmar people. product.

Few other high quality handicrafts were noted in markets, some knife and knife holders were available (re-forged from scrap vehicle leaf-springs) and limited basket weavings.

Sweet fruit wine was readily available for sale of reasonable quality (around 2,000MMK for a 660ml bottle), traditional millet beer was not generally for sale, as it is considered a village level home made product.

An interesting local transport method is the wooden cart, unique (in Myanmar) to Chin State. These would not be a saleable product, but are photogenic.

6.3 Human Resources At all levels level there is a very low understanding of tourism, therefore it was difficult for participants to fully understand the scope and context of the tourism industry, and likely benefits and impacts. When discussing tourism at all levels, concepts of hotels and attractions were understood, but activities and aspects of cultural heritage were not. Participants would recommend assets such as waterfalls, which may be locally relevant but not necessarily a marketable tourism attraction for out of state visitors. Tourists were almost universally

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 19 recognised as being foreign, with little recognition that visitors from other parts of Myanmar could be considered as such. At village level where some tourism exists, participants felt they did not benefit from tourism much, and did no really understand why international tourists would be visiting and trekking through the landscape.

General education levels in the state are low, although a considerable number of people in towns have some level of English, often learned through Church organisations. Many Chin people have worked and studied overseas, (and continue to do so), brining back knowledge and expertise to some extent.

A significant issue throughout the state is depopulation, especially of younger adults who travel overseas and elsewhere in Myanmar in search of employment. Many do not return but send remittances home through various networks. This presents a significant drain in labour and skills for the state.

Service standards in guesthouses are generally minimal and are based on individuals: there are no training programmes available in the state.

6.3.1 Language Chin has its own language which itself has different dialects. Chin utilises the Latin, not Burmese alphabet. These are often so different that people from different communities cannot communicate with each other. Team members from Thantlang could not communicate with villagers in Mindat for example. Most town people can speak Burmese effectively though many older villagers cannot.

Some English is spoken in towns and churches: informal conversations with shop owners and places of interaction were common during the research visit. Many church leaders speak English as well as some members from political institutions and civil society organisations.

6.4 Health and Hygiene Cooking and food management practices are basic and could have hygiene issues. Washrooms at eateries did not typically have washbasins or soap provided, it may be inferred that the same is for food preparation. Wastewater management is also an issue (see environmental issues).

Children with swollen stomachs were seen in some villages, and other malnutrition issues such as stunted growth and hair discoloration was noted in children. Some old people had heavy lung coughs.

Medical care is limited in Chin state, with basic level clinics only available in towns, though many villages have some type of medical provision through village nurses. Transportation and infrastructure issues would make any evacuations time consuming. There is no effective rescue service in the state and helicopters would unlikely be available in emergencies, and terrain would make landing difficult.

Medical supplies are available in towns, with as are private doctors, of unknown quality and ability.

6.5 Environmental Issues Chin state has significant environmental issues with regard to tourism. The environment is fragile with a limited carrying capacity, it is unlikely that the state would be able to accommodate (or indeed be suitable) for mainstream tourism.

6.5.1 Fuel Wood: Cooking and Heating Wood is the most important fuel for cooking (as well as heating, but this is minimal). Some charcoal is used in the towns, but this is generally minimal. Even though temperatures were around 5 degrees at night, few guesthouses (or private homes) had built-in fire places for heating (other than kitchen areas), some people were observed using small charcoal burners communally outdoors to keep warm.

Throughout the state only one guesthouse had piped hot water available (excluding government guesthouse facilities which are generally not available for commercial use). Others could provide a limited amount of hot water in thermos flasks for bucket showers at additional cost.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 20

Deforestation around towns and villages is evident, and it is common to see people travelling some distances to gather firewood.

Increased tourism will put increased pressure on firewood and deforestation, especially as the main tourism season is and will likely continue to coincide with winter.

6.5.2 Water It was evident that availability of water is a significant issue. Research was conducted early to mid dry season; it was evident that crops were arid, streams dry and rivers low. The mountainous nature of the state, with settlements located at higher elevations also makes access to water difficult, and would likely require energy for pumping etc. As tourism generally places a significantly higher demand of water per head than local population, this could lead into conflicts. Bottled drinking water is available in towns.

6.5.3 Waste Water There is little or no effective waste water management, with human waste mostly deposited in shallow pit latrines, where the mountainous nature of the environment could see effluent seepage into watercourses.

6.5.4 Solid Waste and Plastics There are limited solid waste management practices, with most waste, including plastics, gathered by residents and burnt at the edge of villages or streets in towns. At the present there is not a significant amount of waste, but this will likely increase as the state develops and more products become available with packaging.

6.5.5 Land Management Practices Slash and burn agriculture contributes to the significant haze that was evident throughout much of the research trip, which has an impact on scenery. The “best time” to visit was universally stated as November to December, as burning had not yet begun. Burning also has the added effect of removing ground cover and disturbing soil, thus adding dust to the atmosphere.

6.5.6 Wildlife Hunting practices form a significant part of the Chin Culture, and are considered a right of passage for males as they move to adulthood: typically young men were and are expected to hunt deer or other animals to prove their skills. A wildlife study was outside the practical ability of the study, however various observations were made.

Left: Skulls from animals killed by a hunter.

Below: An Eastern Hoolock Gibbon in captivity

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 21 Participants would commonly state the abundance of wildlife in the environment, including many species of deer, wild cats, civets, bears, primates and tigers. However when pressed it was admitted that now hunting was much more difficult than before and many animals were not seen often. In more remote villages it was fairly common to see homes displaying collections of skulls, which included species of bear and primate, as well as Mithun and other cattle, it was not possible to assess the age of these skulls, and residents were unwilling to discuss hunting with outsiders.

Individual hunters were encountered, weapons included antiquated flintlock and percussion cap muskets as well as bow and arrow, none were seen with quarry. One hunter proudly informed the team he killed a Hornbill in 2013 (Hornbills are the national symbol of Chin State).

Scats of civets were noted occasionally in more remote forested areas and a solitary Eastern Hoolock Gibbon Hoolock leuconedys (IUCN category Vulnerable) was observed in a cage, alongside a small group of an unidentified species of Macaque. Villagers informed the team these were purchased from an outside trader.

A dry season lake was visited on-route to Mount Zinghmung in a fairly remote location (approximately 10% of its wet season size), and no significant animal tracks were noted to the waterline.

Significant numbers of bird species were heard in town, village and forest locations. Discussions with National Park staff and a group from Birdlife International (third party) indicated significant viability for specialist bird watching tourism.

6.6 Infrastructure Broadly all infrastructure is limited and of poor quality across the state, although significant advances have been made over the past three years, with ambitious upgrading projects taking place.

6.6.1 Roads The road network in the state is currently poor, making access difficult. The main road from Kale – Falam – Hakha - Mindat (via Magway State) is mostly surfaced and single track with passing areas. Roads are constructed into steep gradient mountain sides with little bank consolidation resulting in frequent landslides and road blockages in the rainy season, with several recent dry season landslides noticed.

Road construction and upgrading is taking place throughout the state. Roads, however lack bank stabilization or significant foundations, making landslides just as likely during rainy seasons. Most roads in the state are in a poor condition.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 22 Construction quality of the roads are basic: surfaces are constructed with a single layer of approximately 20mm rocks applied directly onto rolled soil with finings and tar as a final surface. The resulting surface quickly resettles making roads bumpy and thus reducing speeds.

The majority of the state’s roads are unsealed hard-pack or un-surfaced dirt roads, which require the use of higher clearance vehicles and all-wheel drive vehicles in the rainy season.

Roads are generally classified as all weather, jeep tracks or motorbike tracks. Most villages are accessible by motorbike track, which may be no more than a narrow track.

Road transport has improved considerably over recent years, however the capacity of the network is limited. Pressure on the system will likely increase as trade increases and more people have access to vehicles. For tourism purposes anything larger than a typical 16 seat high clearance minibus would not be workable, in reality access by 4x4 vehicle would be recommended.

Road safety is an issue: no roads have basic safety features such as crash barriers, slippery conditions in the rainy season increase the frequency of accidents. Driver training and abilities are generally poor, as is vehicle maintenance. Many roads pass through villages, where roads are multi-use areas, often being some of the few flat areas available. Such villages tend to be roadside linear settlements, with increases in traffic having implications for village life.

6.6.2 Airports There are no current operational airports in the state, the closest being at Kale, offering generally one daily flight connection with Mandalay and Yangon and Bagan with up to 14 per day to most destinations countrywide. The typical aircraft used are ATR72 with a capacity of 69 passengers. Hakha is 12 hours drive from Kale, and Kanpetlet is 8 hours drive from Bagan.

A state airport capable of handling Boeing 737 size aircraft is under consideration close to Falam town, but funds have not been allocated as of yet. This would be a Union Government project. A 2,000 ft airport has been designed 5 miles from Tedim capable of handling smaller aircraft.

6.6.3 Transport A limited amount of public transport exists within the state, some of reasonable quality: there are “upper-class” minibus services linking with Kale and Mandalay from all towns visited, and there are lower quality (cheaper) services in overcrowded busses. Few if any international or domestic travellers use such services, though one couple was reported to have arrived in Mindat by truck. Some tourists arrive by self-drive motorbike, but this figure is likely less than 10 for the state.

The most common transport options are private hire 4x4 off-road vehicles from Kale, Bagan or Mandalay. A small number of drivers are available in state towns, with varying quality of vehicles. Demand is high and vehicles are often booked by NGOs.

Availability of fuel, especially higher grade diesel can be an issue, there are no automated facilities in the state and most fuel is brought in by barrel.

It is generally not possible to hire a self-drive motorbike on arrival in the towns.

Pack horses were seen on several occasions transporting rice and other goods where vehicles could not reach. Horses are never used for riding.

6.6.4 Electricity With the exception of Hakha, and Falam, most of the state has off-grid electricity supplied by mini and micro hydro-electric systems, and some diesel generators. Nowhere has 24 hour electricity, and wattage available is limited, leading to frequent brown-outs when power is available. This has implications for lighting, heating and communications.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 23

Hakha is currently being connected to the national network via the construction of a high voltage line.

6.6.5 Telecommunications and Internet Coverage is poor, with no reliable landline system, with the exception of the state towns. Mobile coverage is improving, but much is based upon older analogue systems, which depend upon atmospheric conditions. Internet access is based over the mobile phone network, and in general the system cannot cope with high volumes of data and is unreliable, although the system is improving, and it is possible to access Internet in most towns, with the exception of Kanpetlet. This has implications for booking and other tourism related communications and emergencies.

The situation countrywide is improving, with private sector communication companies soon to launch. Locating communication masts may be difficult, and access to fuel for generators will be an issue.

6.6.6 Information Services Libraries exist in many villages; apparently texts are related to agricultural practices and so on. There is no effective postal service; information is generally disseminated through the village system and churches.

6.7 Institutional Capacity Government institutions have a limited capacity and understanding of tourism and its complexities and therefore are not in a position to effectively plan for its development and management. There is no clear specific person responsible for tourism at township or state level.

Tourism in the state is new, and generally outsiders are viewed with caution. During an interview in Mindat Town a guesthouse owner informed the team that it was necessary for him to provide passport and visa copies of international guests to five government departments.

Travellers without guides are also viewed with suspicion by authorities: immigration officials in Rihkhuadar town questioned the team, as none of the national staff were accredited tour guides.

Dissemination of information and updates on laws are limited between government departments and levels, with few knowing much of recent tourism policy developments at Union level.

Church groups provide a significant role in the provision of knowledge and support throughout the state, especially concerning English language teaching. Churches are however fragmented, with many different denominations that do not always work together, and there is some mistrust.

6.8 Visiting Chin State In is difficult to visit Chin State as a tourist. There is no independent tourism information available for the state. The latest edition of the Lonely Planet (2011) guidebook has two pages devoted to Chin state, focusing on Mount Victoria. Virtually all existing tourists travel with Yangon based companies, with a focus on trekking in the Mount Victoria area, especially the valleys between Kanpetlet and Mindat, where older ladies of the Munn tribe have tattooed faces.

In theory it is possible to visit independently, but currently few do, and this is discouraged. Foreign travellers are viewed with some caution by authorities, who state that visitor’s safety and security is their primary concern.

The small number of tourists interviewed had mixed opinions of the state, most stating the high price and low value for money available, lacking knowledgably local guides and the practice of multi-subcontracting from tour operators. However key assets were seen as the people of the state and an understanding of the political context. Tourists interviewed may be described as “conscientious travellers”, i.e. they had an understanding of development issues, responsible tourism practices and targeting tourism spend effectively. A primary concern stated was ensuring Chin people were actively engaged in tourism.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 24 7 Key Tourism Assets of Chin State Many small potential tourism sites were identified by township, however for tourism purposes it is more useful to consider key assets at a state level, to meet needs of visitors. Many of these sites may have some tourist value, but many may be considered as local recreation areas: for example waterfalls and caves in the state would likely not be a significant marketable factor.

These assets are based upon the information available under the constraints of the field visit, others may exist and should be investigated further.

It must be stressed that understanding of tourism is low across all stakeholder groups and trainings/awareness raising would be needed to help such actors understand the complexities of the tourism industry and likely markets.

7.1 Landscape Assets and Intangible Heritage By far the strongest draw factor to Chin State is the natural environment mixed with the intangible cultural heritage of its peoples. The state has some exceptional scenery and still maintains aspects of traditional culture, and maintains a distinct identity from the rest of Myanmar. It clearly will be an “adventure” destination.

7.1.1 Mountains Many mountains have long ridge walks and encompass valleys and villages. As in the case of Mount Zing Hmuh and Mount Victoria it would be relatively easy to develop cultural/ natural trekking routes that pass through communities, and thus offer an opportunity to interface and spend money in communities. This, of course, must be done sensitively to ensure maximum benefits reach host communities and ensure they are not exploited.

The ridge from Mount Zing Hmunh: The ridge The mountain range close to Mount Kennedy: Chin continues for many kilometers through a variety of State offers some good potential for reactively easy landscapes, and makes impressive hiking mountain hiking

Many potential routes will exist throughout the state and should be investigate for potential: this must include comprehensive stakeholder consultations and ensure regulations and codes of practice are in place beforehand: Chin State is in a position to control they type of tourism and businesses permitted to operate; this is an advantage;

Identified mountain ranges include (others will undoubtedly exist):

• Mount Zing Hmuh (Falam) • Mount Mi-e-Pi (Thantlang) • Mount Victoria and surroundings (Kanpetlet, Mindat and Matupi)

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 25 7.1.2 Adventure activities Activities such as rafting were suggested by participants, however water levels were low in all rivers visited, although this was during the (early) dry season, and accessibility would be prohibitive during the wet season.

Rock climbing, gorge walking, abseiling etc. could be possible in certain locations, however poor infrastructure would likely limit private sector willingness to develop such activities in the foreseeable future.

7.1.3 Mount Victoria Trekking Trekking in the valleys between Mindat and Kanpetlet, with a summit visit to Mount Victoria are the most established forms of tourism in Chin State, accounting for between 700 and 1,500 national and international arrivals annually. Tourism here is in its infancy, but already impacts can be seen in communities, with children expecting sweets from guides. Activities need to be regulated and a management plan for such activities is recommended.

Villages surrounding Mount Victoria have become well known for the Munn people and the “Tattoo faced ladies”. Currently they receive few benefits from tourism that they are the target of. Such communities are very poor relatively but offer a real glimpse of traditional life, so tourism must be managed sensitively

7.1.4 Villages Many villages visited would be of considerable tourism interest, giving insight into traditional Chin life and culture, as well as being physically located in some interesting scenery. Current understanding of tourism is against village visits, and overnight stays are currently illegal for international guests.

If managed correctly and with suitable support and stakeholder consultation, village stays would be a great tourism draw factor for the state.

7.1.5 Wildlife watching Specialized bird watching could be of interest with 300 endemic bird species in the state. Many birds were heard, but few encountered, thus the potential for special interest trips.

Little evidence of mammals was encountered during the visit, it is likely that pressure from hunting and habitat loss has impacted populations.

There are significant species of wildflower and orchids, though anecdotally these are under pressure from collectors.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 26 7.2 Heritage Sites Sites visited during the study were all interesting, however in themselves are not significant resources: it is the combined value of these sites along with potential activities that will be a significant marketable factor for the state, certainly for international visitors. Climate is good for outdoor activities, and a reasonably long season is possible. Access and infrastructure are and will remain significant challenged to any significant tourism in the foreseeable future.

Heritage sites will be of more importance for the domestic market and regional markets, however lack of a significant site will limit this. A summary of key asset sites include:

7.2.1 Mount Kennedy (Tedim) Mount Kennedy and the historic battle site may be developed as a stop-off point for passing visitors to Tedim and Falam, the landscape is currently degraded, but could offer limited potential. As a battle site and cemetery, the site should be interpreted sensitively.

It would offer good views for a hotel (as planned), but it is unclear who the market would be at this stage and issues such as water and power would be a significant issue. It is recommended that a feasibility study be conducted for any developments.

7.2.2 Rih Lake (Falam) Rih Lake is renowned throughout Myanmar as the “Heart Shaped Lake” and is stated as a key asset by state government, and is marked on some national tourism maps. The lake is currently and foreseeably a reaction site for cross border day visitors from India (in 2013 receiving over 12,000 visitors). The lake is under some environmental pressure (and threat from a housing development), so it is recommended that a visitor plan be developed for the site.

The Heart shaped lake and the single restaurant and accommodation concession. The site is a popular with cross- border day visits from Zokhawthar, the Indian town immediately across the border, as well as by locals.

For international visitors the site is a little underwhelming and the distances to travel are considerable.

7.2.3 Falam Cultural Sites The combined cultural sites surrounding Falam would provide a strong cultural interpretive trail based upon the birthplace of Chin civilization. This would require upgrading of facilities, developing an interpretation plan and training guides.

Currently however, the market for this is low. Also accommodation is poor in Falam, and would require upgrading, again it market potential is unclear. There may be potential for village based accommodation, currently this is not permitted in Chin State, with homestays strongly discouraged by national policy. The low volume of visitors would likely not make a new-build construction in such villages viable.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 27

Taisun Village, the cradle of Chin Civilization, close to Traditional costumes in Taisun village

Falam Town has some potential for heritage tourism encouraged by a local project

Meeting the Chief of Tlauhmun Village: Villagers hold Sialom battle site and memorial: this was the only much of the charm of visiting Chin State managed heritage site visited during the research

7.2.4 Hakha and Mindat Towns Both towns offer an insight into Chin Culture, and themselves are interesting places to be based during a visit to the state.

7.3 National Parks and Protected Areas

7.3.1 Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria) National Park Covering 71,000 hectares, Mount Victoria covers parts of Kanpetlet, Mindat and Matupi Townships, and is a significant asset of the state. The objectives of the Park are:

• To conserve the watershed areas of Lemro River, Myitha River, Saw Chaung, Maw Chaung, Salin Chuaung, Che Chaung, Yow Chaung, and Mon Chaung • To conserve the scenic beauty of natural forests

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 28 • To conserve Mountain Ecosystem and prohibit illicit hunting • To preserve 5 species of rare birds this can be found only in Myanmar, other native and migratory birds and their habitats. • To preserve rare species of endemic Orchids • To reduce the practice of shifting cultivation to planting perennial plants and trees • To promote and upgrade the park as an ecotourism attraction

The park has an extremely limited budget and has no authority to charge entrance fees. It is recommended that support for national park management be sought.

7.3.2 Thautu and Ciriangtu Wildlife Sanctuaries (Thantlang) Two unofficial sanctuaries of unknown size have been declared in Thantlang Township, supported by the Chin Relief and Development Program (CRDP). These sites are apparently administered voluntarily by adjacent communities.

7.3.3 Mount Zinghmunh (Falam) A 3,000 hectare protected area was proposed surrounding Mount Zinghmunh, but plans were shelved after receiving little local support.

7.3.4 Kyauk Pan Taung Wildlife Sanctuary (Paletwa) Few details were available for this sanctuary, other than it is in Paletwa: no activities are listed on protectedplanet.net.

7.4 Paletwa Paletwa was not visited during the study due to time and travel restrictions: foreigners currently need a special permit to visit the township. However it is accessible from Sittwe (which itself currently has travel restrictions due to ethnic tensions. Paletwa is at a lower elevation than much of the remainder of Chin state and offers the potential for boat trips and other types of cultural tourism.

A site identified by the team forestry specialist was a former Rakhine Palace, constructed in approximately 1200, currently within Kyauk Pan Taung Wildlife Sanctuary. The site is apparently unique as it is located in an unusually large area of flat land. It is located approximately 4-5 hours by boat from Paletwa. It is recommended that a further study takes place here once travel issues ease.

7.5 Tongzang Tongzang was not visited during the study due to time limitations. Lunglen Cave and Tuikhaing Battle Site from WWII were identified as potential sites. It was unclear if any cross-border tourism took place with India. Due to the township’s extreme remoteness it is unlikely any significant tourism could take place there.

Sunset in Hakha Town Munn woman selling in Mindat Market

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 29 8 SWOT Summary Strengths Weaknesses • “Undiscovered” destination suitable for small • Lack of basic tourism infrastructure that will not scale adventure tourism be rectified in the short term • Unique Christian culture compared to other • Poor existing tourism facilities areas in Myanmar • Low level of tourism planning skills • Remoteness will limit viability and thus impacts • No experience of tourism of tourism • Remote state • Current tourism operations include few Chin people and are managed from outside the state • Limited tourism options Opportunities Threats • Develop small scale “adventure” tourism • High level of competition from other remote activities based upon landscape and cultural mountainous destinations in Myanmar (as well strengths as the region) with better infrastructure • As there is currently little tourism, planning • Unclear legal framework and red-tape for authorities are in a good position to control tourism provision future developments to ensure sustainability and • Without interventions tourism will be controlled a high level of community involvement by out of state operators, thus Chin people will • International demand for differentiated, niche receive few benefits products is strong and growing • Outward migration of entrepreneurial labour from the state.

9 Key Issues, Potential Markets and Growth Tourism in Chin State will be significantly limited in both scope and type as dictated by its mountainous geography, location, climate and infrastructure. The state will be a special interest destination for those willing to travel for long travel times. Tourism planning must realistically reflect this.

Likely tourism markets will be:

International Domestic “Western” pre-booked (including Japanese) on Domestic Visitors on pre-booked tours special interest tours. • A limited market visiting Mount Victoria. • Trekking

• Bird watching • Specific cultural interest Free Independent “Adventure” travellers Domestic Visitors self-drive • Using public transport or self dive to visit the • Extremely limited as Myanmar people explore state: extremely limited numbers their country Indian cross-border day visitors to Rih Lake Student visitors • Stable at around 12,000 per year. • A limited market visiting Mount Victoria. Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFM) • Missionaries and Overseas (and national) Chin people

The key areas for any significant tourism will be a development of the Mount Victoria (Kanpetlet to Mindat) area, with some specialist travel to other parts of the state.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 30

For other areas tourism is possible and may bring benefits to local communities, however at both village and town level people are completely unprepared for tourism, with the exception of some providers in Mindat and Kanpetlet.

Tourism is currently so limited in terms of numbers it is not possible to accurately predict future growth. Realistically in the short term (i.e. 5 years) leisure tourism will exceed 5,000 arrivals; most of these will be located in the Mount Victoria area. This is due to issues such as guesthouse capacity, the legal framework for tourism etc.

Tourism is currently so limited in Potenal growth Scenarios for Tourism terms of numbers it is not possible arrivals to accurately predict future growth.

7,000 Realistically in the short term (i.e. 5 years) leisure tourism will exceed 6,000 5,000 arrivals; most of these will be 5,000 10% located in the Mount Victoria area. 4,000 3,000 20% This is due to issues such as 2,000 30% guesthouse capacity, the legal 1,000 framework for tourism etc. The Internaonal Arrivals 0 adjacent chart presents optimistic 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 growth rates of 10, 20 and 30%.

Infrastructure of all types is poor: road travel is arduous, communications poor, hot water and electricity.

Accommodation is of poor quality and value throughout the state, even at established tourist class hotels: for example the Oasis resort in Mindat charged US$50 for an unfinished room. It is unclear who the market would be for current lodges under construction, and is any environmental impact assessment, planning, economic viability studies have taken place, or green technologies been investigated.

The administrative framework for tourism is limited, there are still travel restrictions in place for various parts of the state, and there is significant bureaucracy. Staying overnight in villages is not permitted for international visitors, or will likely be so in the short term.

Planning authorities have a poor understanding of tourism, as do most other stakeholders.

Mount Victoria National Park is underfunded and resourced, finding it difficult to fulfil its mission.

The natural environment is under significant pressure from degrading agricultural practices, hunting and deforestation. Access to water is and will increase to be an issue. Waste management is extremely limited.

Young people are leaving the state in search of opportunities elsewhere in Myanmar and overseas, many do not return full time: this leaves a labour shortage in some townships and villages. Additionally government administrative positions are often held by non-Chin nationals, thus creating some mistrust.

10 Recommendations The following recommended actions must be developed with consideration to the current situation in Chin State, likely target markets and its remoteness and poor infrastructure.

Environmentally, the state is sensitive, with issues such as water and land stability being key factors. Tourism will be limited in numbers, so a small scale approach must be followed, with an emphasis on specialised and specific target markets, low impacts, a high level of community involvement and private sector involvement. For all steps

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 31 below it is vital to work with key Chin State stakeholders: the selection of stakeholders must be conducted with care with regard to ethnic sensitivities and to support the decentralisation process.

10.1 Strategic Level - Develop strategic directions of tourism for Chin State This should take place in a series of capacity building training workshops at state level with key decision makers and community leaders. A significant objective of these workshops will be to train appropriate stakeholders in the realistic types of tourism that would be possible for the state, resource implications, target markets and so on. Trainings should include best practice operators from Yangon, as well as potential Chin State operators.

This should be held at a strategic level to encourage higher-level stakeholders to participate in “training with outputs”.

Training topics may include:

• Basic details about the tourism industry, • Principles of ecotourism and sustainability • The wishes and needs of tourists and market differentiation • Hygiene and sanitation issues, • Environmental awareness activities, • Best business practices • National laws and context

Outputs of workshops would include the following:

• Vision • Sectors targeted • Targeted tourist profiles • Type of Tourism encouraged • Tourism activity zonation • Target visitors interested in the cultural heritage of the state • Build the foundations for a “Chin State Tourism Association” (see below)

10.2 Detailed study of potential trekking routes in Chin State Trekking has been identified as a strong potential activity. If developed to include communities, this can provide financial benefits for host communities and a rewarding experience for visitors. Potential routes need to be developed and analysed as to rest stops etc.

Routes should be surveyed with the cooperation of best practice private sector operators, ideally Chin nationals, who have an understanding of the state and its issues.

Surveying of such trekking routes should be a training exercise that would include a private sector operator and potential local guides as to international trekking standards.

10.3 Detailed study of potential heritage sites in Falam Township and development of small scale management plan Numerous heritage sites were visited as part of this study. Of immediate specific interest and tourism value (due to their accessibility) are the sites surrounding Falam Township that could be developed using heritage trail principles. Some sites are in poor condition, and all have no interpretation available. These could benefit from a strategic cultural tourism management plan focusing upon the following:

• Cultural heritage site management (targeted at site managers or local equivalent) • Small scale infrastructure improvement (such as limited road stabilization)

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 32 • Small scale guide training • Potentially training in the provision of basic tourism services such as refreshment services in adjacent villages • Basic language/communication training • Provision of interpretive materials in different languages

Identified sites included specific villages as well as historic and cultural sites adjacent. Any tourism planning should incorporate adjacent villages to present opportunity for financial and cultural engagement; small amounts of money spent in local communities can provide noticeable benefits to community cash flow through the “multiplier effect”.

When planning for the above activities the small scale of tourism must be taken into account (i.e. less than 500 annual visitors). Nonetheless this small number would still provide income into local economies.

10.4 Comprehensive community consultations at potential sites For any sites that may potentially develop tourism, and communities where tourism already takes place, comprehensive community consultations should take place to ascertain options for involvement and to encourage participation and understanding of tourism. This will help identify options for community involvement in tourism.

10.5 Risk assessment and incident planning training Chin State is remote with limited facilities. A major concern with government stakeholders is safety of visitors. Training in tour guiding and leading groups into remote locations should be provided to operators leading groups into remote location this will likely include operators in Yangon and elsewhere.

Training could also include some interpretation planning (i.e. focused upon explaining the location and project to guests) and logistical management. As a minimum, training should include:

• Excursion Planning • Understanding Guest’s needs • Risk Assessment • Interpretive Planning • Emergency Scenario Planning • Working with Tour Operators • Best Practices in Campsite Management • Best Practices in Wildlife Watching

Training should be on going and reflect the realities of working in rural communities, designed to be timed around less busy times of year and day. Training must be developed by those who have an excellent record in delivering such training.

10.6 Work with out of state tour operators to Develop Tour Operator Standards and Guidelines and Codes of Practice for Low Impact Tourism There are currently no tour operators based in Chin State, virtually all arrivals must use an out of state agency. Working with such agencies will be key to encouraging sustainable and best practice tourism

The focus for this activity are the trekking routes existing in the Mount Victoria area, but should also be applied to any other routes and cultural visits in the state.

A Tour Operator cope of practice should be implemented to ensure tourism is equitable and fair to host communities, particularly in trekking destinations. Tour operators to have specific Chin State awareness training, and must be accompanied with a Chin guide.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 33 A system of realistic regulations and codes of practice should be implemented to ensure the sustainable management of the landscape. All activities should follow the best international practices, based on minimal impact to landscape and culture.

Building on the Myanmar Community Involvement in Tourism Policy, all tourism activities taking place in the Chin State landscape must:

• Have minimal negative environmental and social impacts. • Generate greater economic benefits for people living within the area, and enhance the well-being of communities, improving working conditions and access to the tourism industry. • Involve people living within the area in decisions that affect their lives and life chances. • Make positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. • Provide more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and create a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues. • Be culturally sensitive, engender respect between tourists and hosts, and build local pride and confidence. • All activities must be subject to comprehensive risk assessment, emergency plan and evacuation procedure. All trekking leaders must be made aware of this, and it must be actively adhered to and updated as appropriate. An accident and near-accident book must be kept and all incidents, no matter how small, must be recorded and used to improve safety.

These concepts must be introduced to participants through training courses.

10.7 Conduct tourism assessment in Paletwa when situation improves It has been suggested that Paletwa could offer reasonably significant tourism opportunities. These should be investigated when the situation improves in Sittwe and travel restrictions ease in Paletwa. Specific sites to investigate include the old Rakhine Palace in the Kyauk Pan Taung Wildlife Sanctury.

10.8 Small Scale Infrastructure and Skills Support for Guesthouse Operators Support in the form of training should be provided to existing operators. This should include the following aspects:

• Business management & Guesthouse Operation • Customer Service • Hygiene • Waste and wastewater management

The possibility of sourcing funds to upgrade facilities such as bathrooms and toilets in such establishments should be investigated.

10.9 Website for Information Currently there is no central point of information regarding travel to Chin State. A web search reveals few private operators who can offer travel and tours to the state. An important first step will be the development of a state tourism website that can provide basic information for travellers, realistic practicalities of travel, links to sustainable travel guidelines as well as links to appropriate tour operators.

Funding mechanisms will need to be examined, with an appropriate organization responsible for website management and updating. An option could be to seek funds from a Guidebook foundation (such as the Wheeler Foundation from the Lonely Planet).

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 34 10.10 Create Chin State Tourism Association / Coordinating Body The Myanmar Tourism Master Plan states that Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) should be created in “flagship” destinations. Chin State will not be a flagship destination, but would benefit from a coordinating body or association responsible for the sustainable marketing of Chin State and the provision of information. This could include the provision to create a State DMO: Tourism will grow in the state, and there is a real risk that host communities will not benefit from tourism.

State specific policies must be developed, implemented and enforced to ensure host communities receive equitable benefits from tourism. Guidelines are presented in Myanmar CIT Policy.

This DMO would grow from the above recommendations.

Key functions of the body would include:

• Enforcement of tourism regulations and codes of practice • Setting and enforcing tourism related codes of practice • Award operating licenses and permits for tourism companies in communities • Review and approve tourism related development in the landscape • Enforce regulations to ensure all developments are in keeping with the aesthetic value of the Chin landscape • Set appropriate tourism related fees • Target project related training • Support community based tour guides • Encourage sharing of resources and knowledge for NGOs involved in tourism

10.11 Investigate the Introduction of Fuel-Efficient Stoves or Improved Firewood Management Access to a sustainable source of firewood for cooking and heating has been highlighted as a significant issue. Current practices involve burning of harvested logs on open fires. A variety of fuel efficient stoves are available and could be introduced to communities.

Discussions with the IID Forestry Expert, some endemic species coppice well, and it may be possible to set up a rotational coppice system on a small commercial scale to manage firewood.

10.12 Implement Language Improvement Programme in Communities Exposed to Tourism Language has been highlighted as a key issue in improving host communities’ interactions with both guides and tourists. Language training, both in Burmese and English should be supported in communities in the Mount Victoria area. Such activities could be a pilot for other areas in the state.

Language training should be tourism and trekking focused. Language training using phonetic language guides has been developed and implemented to some success in rural Cambodia. A non-verbal communication guide could be developed relatively easily; this will be particularly helpful in communities and rest stops.

10.13 Develop Interpretation Plan Interpretation is a vital part of how people experience the places they visit. Interpretation is primarily a communication process that helps people make sense of, and understand more about, a site or area1. It is a key part of a high value tourism experience, and is often overlooked, and will help Chin State “tell its story”. This can be integrated into guide training.

1 as defined by the Association for Heritage Interpretation

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 35 Ideally this should be followed up with an interpretation management plan. Interpretation is core to spreading the messages of conservation as part of a protected area’s comprehensive management. Good interpretation will bring meaning to a site, enhancing visitor appreciation and promoting better understanding.

As a result visitors are more likely to care for what they identify as a precious resource. Additionally, it enables communities to better understand their heritage, and to express their own ideas and feelings about their home area.

10.14 Visitor Data Recording System A vital part of managing tourism will be the recording of demographic and general information of trekkers. The existing structures with the government departments could be formalized, with data recording training provided as appropriate. Data should include:

• Basic demographics: age, nationality, country of abode, FIT or tour • Type of activity • Reason for choosing Chin State • Routs taken and locations of accommodation.

10.15 Investigate Management Options for Solid and Liquid Waste management Waste management is a noticeable issue in the state for both solid waste such as plastics, and risk of toilet waste. Currently there is little infrastructure available to deal with solid and liquid waste:

10.15.1 Solid Waste Management Plan An investigation into appropriate management methods including recycling and disposal options must be investigated, as increasingly plastics are burned at he edge of communities and in towns, the resulting release of dioxins is undesirable. As part of this a waste awareness campaign should be investigated.

10.15.2 Liquid Waste Management Plan Management of toilet waste and effluent is currently limited in both communities and at accommodation. Improved methods are available worldwide, an investigation should be made into suitable waste water management technologies that could be implemented state-wide.

10.16 Guidelines for Appropriate Accommodation in the State, embracing Green Technologies Hotel development will take place in the state; the two development observed did not employ best environmental practices, and the only “ecolodge” had minimal low impact technologies.

Chin State would be suited to small scale mountain ecolodge developments (with consideration to the low potential visitor numbers). International standards and guidelines for such developments exist, planning authorities could insist such standards are enforced. Low carbon, green technologies should be investigated.

All new developments should be subject to Environmental Impact Assessment.

10.17 Support Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria) National Park Fulfil its Objectives Mount Victoria National Park would benefit from support to develop a comprehensive management and financing plan. Such a plan should investigate the following elements:

• Specific tourism development plan based on low impacts • Donor support for tourism training and management of the park • Sustainable management of visitor numbers • Wildlife viewing guidelines • Trekking Guidelines

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 36 • National Park staff training • Inclusion of Host Communities • Fee system • Concession systems

10.18 Develop Management Plan for Rih Lake Rih Lake receives over 12,000 visitors annually and has visible environmental impacts. The site would benefit from a management plan to address environmental issues, visitor management, interpretation and improve the standard of the concession.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 37 11 Priority Proposals Below provides some initial priority actions to support tourism development in Chin State. These are not comprehensive, and form the building blocks for developing sustainable tourism. All must take into account relevant Myanmar policies, and specifically draw upon the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan, the Myanmar Responsible Tourism Strategy, and the Myanmar Community Involvement in Tourism Strategy.

Infrastructure (roads and communications) have not been included below: tourism is at a very low level in Chin State, and even with improved roads, landslides will be frequent and travel times will still dictate a low density of tourists. Many of the tourism sites have adequate existing dry season access to warrant specific road improvement inclusion.

11.1 Trekking Route Feasibility Study

Tourism Trekking Route Feasibility Study Proposal 1 Identification Thematic area Institutional Capacity & Tourism

Location Routes to be selected, but will likely include those close to Mount Victoria (Kanpetlet & Mindat Townships), Thantlang, Hakha and Falam Townships

Overall budget $ 42,900 Time frame 4 months Project Objectives Identify trekking routes that may be developed for Community description Involved Tourism: the specific objective is to develop tourism products that benefit host communities

Project rationale Cultural and natural landscape based trekking has been identified as a likely tourism product for Chin State. However few if any potential routes are available. Permitted trekking routes should be selected and designated to target further project interventions and support.

Private sector operators should be involved I the process as well as key decision makers from the township level: currently there is little understanding of tourism within the state.

Activities 1. Using this study as a basis, identify 6 potential trekking routes as follows: 2 additional routes in the Mount Victoria area & two routes in Hakha Township and one in Thantlang and Falam Townships. 2. Conduct two brief stakeholder training workshops in Mindat/Kanpetlet and Hakha/Thantlang/Falam 3. Conduct site assessments on the trekking routes, specifically as to community linkages, accessibility & marketability 4. Produce detailed maps of each trekking route that may be developed into usable trekking maps 5. Provide detailed recommendations on how to involve communities in tourism on trekking routes 6. Provide a trekking operator code of practice and develop a training programme for operators in Chin State that accounts for cultural sensibilities, safety and community involvement and implementation plan

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 38 Implementation Project to be led by suitable International Experts with strong involvement from Township level Government and key private sector tourism stakeholders.

Financial Budget Township level workshops & trainings x 2 10,000 information Site Assessment x 6 12,000 Design of Maps (digital) 5,000 Printing of example maps 2,000 Research, design, writing and printing of plan, 20,000 training programme and code of practice Contingency 3,900 Total 42,900 Budget assumptions It is assumed that this project will feed into other projects in this document, especially Proposal 2 and 4 Additional Alignment with Union This is linked to both the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan and the information policies and strategies Myanmar Community Involvement in Tourism Strategy Observations

11.2 Planning for the Future – Strategic Directions for Chin State Tourism

Tourism “Planning for the Future – Strategic Directions for Chin State Tourism” Stakeholder Proposal 2 Workshops and Consultations Identification Thematic area Institutional Capacity & Tourism

Location State Level

Overall budget $ 41,250 Time frame 6 months Project Objectives 1. Key decision makers and stakeholders understand the realistic description potential for tourism in their state and options for tourism development 2. Key decision makers and stakeholders develop a vision and strategic direction for tourism in Chin State 3. Building foundations for a Chin State Tourism Association Project rationale Decision makers and stakeholders at state and township level currently have effectively no exposure to tourism and are thus not in a position to effectively plan for tourism in Chin State.

The project will be workshop and training focused, and comprises detailed stakeholder consultations including private sector tour operators, tourists, selected local communities, guesthouse operators, relevant local government institutions, CSOs and NGOs.

These consultations will be used as a workshop training tool for educational purposes and be conducted with the involvement of key state stakeholders.

Key output will be a strategic planning document for Chin State Tourism, identifying target areas for development and an outline for a Chin State Tourism Association (see below).

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 39 Activities 1. Hold state level tourism workshop to identify state level tourism planners/decision makers and stakeholders and to provide strategic level tourism training. 2. Conduct brief survey of out-of-state tour operators visiting Chin State as to motivations and willingness to participate in workshops 3. Conduct brief qualitative study of tourists in-state (likely to be in Kanpetlet/Mindat) 4. Hold state level strategic planning workshop to develop plan 5. Write plan 6. Present to Stakeholders in Final Workshop 7. Outcomes to provide framework of a Chin State Tourism Association Implementation Project to be led by suitable International Experts with strong involvement from State and Township level Government and key tourism stakeholders.

Financial Budget Workshop / Trainings Hakha x 3 15,000 information Yangon-based tour operator workshop 500 Qualitative Tourism Survey in Chin State 2,000 Research, design, writing and printing of plan 20,000 Contingency 3,750 Total 41,250

Budget assumptions It is assumed that this project will be implemented in conjunction with other projects in this document, especially Proposal 1 and 4 Additional Alignment with Union This is linked to both the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan and the information policies and strategies Myanmar Community Involvement in Tourism Strategy Observations

11.3 Development of Chin State Tourism Website

Tourism Development of Chin State Tourism Website Proposal 3 Identification Thematic area Institutional Capacity, Tourism

Location State Level (see proposal 4 below)

Overall budget $ 9,350 Time frame 3 months Project Objectives Development objective and 1-2 immediate objectives description Project rationale Currently there is no independent tourism information available for Chin State, indeed there is very little available web resources at all.

This project aims to provide, as a first step, a basic tourism information website for Chin State, so that potential visitors may receive reliable information concerning the state and how to visit. Activities 1. Identification of body/organisation for maintaining a website (it ay be based in Yangon as there is better internet

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 40 connectivity) 2. Identification of key tourism sites to be included 3. Identification of information to be provided, including tour operators, guesthouses, transport providers and visiting guidelines/codes of practice 4. Development of website 5. Research into financial mechanism for website maintenance 6. Launch of website and handover

Implementation Website to be designed by domestic (preferably Chin) web-design company with the support of international expertise Financial Budget Identification of suitable website design company 1,000 information Development of detailed design brief 1,000 Development of Website 4,000 Supervision 500 Development of sustainable finance strategy 1,000 Launch (press releases etc.) 1,000 Contingency 850 Total 9,350 Budget assumptions Additional Alignment with Union This is linked to both the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan and the information policies and strategies Myanmar Community Involvement in Tourism Strategy Observations This project is linked to Project Proposal 4 below.

11.4 Development of Chin State Tourism Association

Tourism Development of Chin State Tourism Association Proposal 4 Identification Thematic area Institutional Capacity, Tourism

Location State Level

Overall budget $ 62,700 Time frame 1 year Project Objectives Development objective and 1-2 immediate objectives description Project rationale The Myanmar Tourism Master Plan states that Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) should be created in “flagship” destinations. Chin State may be described as a secondary destination, but should be considered as a “marketable entity” and thus would benefit from strategic tourism coordination, whether the DMO term or other is used.

Suggested activities of the “association” would include:

• Maintaining a Chin State Tourism Website • Enforcement of tourism regulations and codes of practice • Setting and enforcing tourism related codes of practice • Award operating licenses and permits for tourism companies in communities • Review and approve tourism related development in the landscape

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 41 • Enforce regulations to ensure all developments are in keeping with the aesthetic value of the Chin landscape • Set appropriate tourism related fees • Target project related training • Support community based tour guides • Encourage sharing of resources and knowledge for NGOs involved in tourism

The “association” should grow specifically from Project Proposal 2 above, with input from other project proposals (especially 3) within this document.

An appropriate mechanism would need to be investigated: it is likely that the association be comprised of both public and private sector, but should have some form of planning authority.

Activities 1. Investigate legal framework for the most appropriate form of “association” within the project context 2. Conduct state level workshop to agree on structure and role of association 3. Consult potential stakeholders to provide input into the development of an association 4. Develop specific roles as suggested of the association, including organisational structure and estimated operating budget 5. Develop and implement training for association members 6. Develop sustainable financing plan for the association 7. Develop a framework and constitution where there is a communication budget as well as provision for twice-yearly meetings 8. Develop monitoring and evaluation plan 9. Hold association launch workshop Implementation The development of the plan will be lead by Chin State Stakeholders with support from International Specialists. The aim is to create a unified state-level association.

Financial Budget State level Workshop 5,000 information Stakeholder consultations (including out-of-state) 5,000 Support to develop constitution/roles and 12,000 responsibilities and association structure Support to initial operating budget 20,000 Development of training plan 5,000 Training for association members 5,000 Launch Workshop 5,000 Contingency 5,700 Total 62,700 Budget assumptions It would be logical for the Chin State Tourism Association to grow from Project Proposals 1,2 and 3 as stated above. Additional Alignment with Union This is linked to both the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan and the information policies and strategies Myanmar Community Involvement in Tourism Strategy Observations

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 42 11.5 Tourism Asset Assessment Paletwa

Tourism Tourism Asset Assessment Paletwa Proposal 5 Identification Thematic area Tourism

Location Paletwa Township

Overall budget $8,800 Time frame 2 months Project Objectives Conduct Tourism Feasibility study in Paletwa description Project rationale At the time of writing, Paletwa Township was inaccessible to the survey team due to travel restrictions in Sittwe and the township itself. However a significant infrastructure development project is currently taking place there, which may result in a significant number of visitors arriving in the region from both Rakhine State in the South and Bangladesh in the West (Paletwa is not accessible from the remainder of Chin State): Access hubs will likely be from Sittwe or cross-border.

Some important tourism assets have been noted in Paletwa that, some potentially significant heritage sites. It is therefore important that a detailed tourism assessment take place.

Activities 1. Conduct township level meetings with key government and non- government stakeholders 2. Conduct detailed site assessment in conjunction with Township Level Stakeholders 3. Develop detailed tourism assessment for the township

Implementation Project to be led by suitable International Experts with strong involvement from State and Township level Government and key tourism stakeholders.

Financial Budget Township Level Meetings 2,000 information Township Based Assessment 4,000 Development of Assessment report 2,000 Contingency 700 Total 8,800 Budget assumptions Additional Alignment with Union This is linked to both the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan and the information policies and strategies Myanmar Community Involvement in Tourism Strategy Observations

11.6 Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria) National Park Management Plan

Tourism Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria) National Park Management Plan – including Tourism Proposal 6 Management Plan for wider cultural landscape Identification Thematic area Vocational Training, Institutional Capacity, Infrastructure & Tourism

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 43 Location Kanpetlet and Mindat Townships: Nat Ma Taung National Park and hinterland area

Overall budget $ 72,600 Time frame 1 year Project Objectives To support Nat Ma Taung National Park Management Authorities description develop a park wide Management Plan with a specific focus upon sustainable tourism management

Project rationale Nat Ma Taung (Mount Victoria) National Park is one of Chin State’s most valuable tourism assets. However it lacks an implementable management plan (for all aspects), and it is clear that tourism management is specifically lacking. Additionally the park lacks a sustainable financing strategy, and is already showing the impacts of tourism with the construction of a jeep track to the mountain peak, and other road development in-park.

The project seeks to develop both in-park capacity through the process of management planning, develop a sound sustainable tourism that encompasses cultural landscapes in the park’s hinterland and raises the planning profile against potential negative developments.

Activities 1. Conduct Institutional Capacity and Training Assessment of the National Park Authority 2. Conduct assessment of the National Park’s legal planning framework and suggest improvements within the Myanmar legal framework 3. Conduct detailed park inventory 4. Conduct detailed stakeholder consultations (including in trekking routes, current and potential adjacent to park boundaries) 5. Develop specific Community Involvement in Tourism Framework 6. Develop Institutional Capacity Building Plan 7. Identify structural weaknesses and areas for infrastructure support 8. Develop training plan for park staff 9. Develop detailed management plan for National Park 10. Develop detailed tourism plan for National Park including sustainable financing strategy, tourism guidelines and codes of practice 11. Seek further funds to implement strategy and provide long- term structural support to the National Park

Implementation Project to be supported by International Expertise, working directly in a capacity building format with park staff, as well as relevant planning departments in Kanpetlet and Mindat Townships as well as state level. There may be some involvement of the Union Level Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry.

Financial Budget Stakeholder workshops x 3 15,000

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 44 information Capacity Assessment of National Park 8,000 Conduct detailed Park Inventory 8,000 Conduct detailed Community Consultations 8,000 Develop Institutional Development and Training 5,000 Plan Conduct initial trainings 20,000 Develop Management Plans x 2 12,000 Contingency 6,600 Total 72,600

Budget assumptions Additional Alignment with Union This is linked to both the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan and the information policies and strategies Myanmar Community Involvement in Tourism Strategy Observations

11.7 Feasibility Study to create Falam Heritage Trail

Tourism Feasibility Study to create Falam Heritage Trail Proposal 7 Identification Thematic area Vocational Training, Institutional Capacity & Tourism

Location Falam Township

Overall budget $15,400 Time frame 4 months Project Objectives To sustainably develop and manage important Chin Cultural description Heritage Sites in Falam Township

Project rationale The areas immediately surrounding Falam Town have been described as the birthplace of Chin Civilization. Currently little had been done to help conserve this heritage, with many sites undeveloped with no information available. Developing a small scale tourism infrastructure based upon the “Heritage Trail” format may not only develop small scale tourism activities in the area, but also strengthen community pride and self-respect.

This project aims to conduct a detailed feasibility study to develop such a train in the Falam area.

Activities 1. Compile detailed mapping and inventory of sites and potential interpretation (including oral and written histories etc.) 2. Identify potential custodians, site guides and other stakeholders 3. Identify any infrastructure needs (such as interpretive areas, small scale infrastructure improvements etc.) 4. Identify methods of Community Involvement in Tourism plus private sector links 5. Identify training and capacity needs of potential custodians, guides and other participants 6. Provide detailed recommendations on an interpretive strategy 7. Develop detailed feasibility study document and

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 45 implementation plan.

Implementation The project will be implemented at Town level with participation from community stakeholders at village level, with the support of an International Specialist

Financial Budget Small scale town level workshop x 2 4,000 information Detailed site appraisal 4,000 Community Consultations and Oral History 4,000 Gathering Development of detailed feasibility study plan 2,000 Contingency 1,400 Total 15,400 Budget assumptions Additional Alignment with Union This is linked to both the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan and the information policies and strategies Myanmar Community Involvement in Tourism Strategy Observations Currently overnight accommodation in villages is not allowed for non ethnic Chin international visitors – this must be taken into account for as well as the small scale of potential tourism activities (i.e. less than 500 annual visitors).

11.8 Management Plan for Rih Lake

Tourism Management Plan for Rih Lake Proposal 8 Identification Thematic area Vocational Training, Institutional Capacity, & Tourism

Location Rih Lake, Falam Township

Overall budget $ 15,950 Time frame 2 months Project Objectives Develop detailed management plan for Rih Lake Tourism Site description Project rationale Rih Lake is currently visited by over 12,000 cross-border tourists annually, and is showing signs of environmental damage through pollution from concessions and surrounding dwellings: there are also plans to develop housing around the lake. The lake is a fragile environment, but also offers an opportunity to provide income to the locality. Rih Lake would benefit from a detailed site-based management plan to address these issues: the plan should be conducted in a capacity building format with relevant stakeholders as a model for other sites in the state.

Activities 1. Conduct detailed environmental assessment of the lake and its surrounds 2. Conduct stakeholder consultations in the Lake environs 3. Conduct small scale visitor survey at the lake 4. Conduct assessment of road infrastructure from border crossing to the lake (approximately 1km) 5. Identify a potential management structure for the lake, including concessions and potential fees 6. Conduct a feasibility assessment for developing a small scale

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 46 interpretive facility at the lake 7. Develop a detailed lake level management plan that includes environmental and tourism aspects and provides a sustainable financing plan

Implementation The project will be implemented at Town level with participation from community stakeholders at village level, with the support of an International Specialist

Financial Budget Town level workshops x 2 4,000 information Conduct detailed environmental assessment of 2,500 Lake and catchment area Stakeholder consultations 2,000 Small scale tourism survey 2,000 Development of Management Plan 4,000 Contingency 1,450 Total 15,950 Budget assumptions Additional Alignment with Union This is linked to both the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan and the information policies and strategies Myanmar Community Involvement in Tourism Strategy Observations The management plan should provide a framework to produce similar plans elsewhere in Chin State.

11.9 Guide Training and Language Support Pilot for Target Areas in Chin State

Tourism Guide Training and Language Support Pilot for Target Areas in Chin State Proposal 9 Identification Thematic area Vocational Training, Tourism

Location Kanpetlet & Mindat, Townships (Pilot Areas)

Overall budget $ 44,000

Time frame 4 months

Project Objectives 1. Improve access to Guiding as a vocation for young people in description the Mount Victoria area 2. Improve the ability of local guides to communicate with International Tourists 3. Improve the ability of host communities to interact with Domestic and International Tourists

Project rationale Language is a significant barrier for Chin State to access and thus receive benefits from tourism. There are only two officially registered Tour Guides in Mindat town, and few of the informal guides have noticeable skills.

This project aims to prepare as a pilot activity, training for a limited number of potential tour guides in Mindat and Kanpetlet towns, and to provide a small scale language support programme for communities that currently receive tourism.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 47 Activities 1. Identify potential guides in Mindat and Kanpetlet Townships (including current informal guides) 2. Develop basic vocational guiding skills curriculum for such guides, tailored to target environment 3. Develop basic vocational language training programme 4. Provide basic vocational guide training to participants in the Mount Victoria Area 5. Provide skills-based language support to participants in the Mount Victoria Area 6. Develop non-verbal communication guide to use in host communities and with guides of limited English ability 7. Provide a detailed curriculum development report

Implementation Curricula to be developed with International support but trainings and infrastructure to be implemented locally. Financial Budget Workshop to identify participants 4,000 information Curriculum development – Guiding 4,000 Curriculum development – Language 4,000 Vocational Guide Training Programme in Mt 12,000 Victoria area (2 weeks, 8 participants) Vocational Language Training Mt Victoria Area 8,000 (4x teachers for 1 month, including training) Development and printing on non-verbal 8,000 communication guide Contingency 4,000 Total 44,000 Budget assumptions Additional Alignment with Union This is linked to both the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan and the information policies and strategies Myanmar Community Involvement in Tourism Strategy Observations

11.10 Guesthouse Infrastructure Support

Tourism Guesthouse Infrastructure Support Proposal 10 Identification Thematic area Vocational Training, Institutional Capacity, Tourism

Location All Townships within State

Overall budget $ 90,250

Time frame 1 year

Project Objectives 1. Provide basic infrastructure support to existing Guesthouse description Accommodation 2. Provide basic skills-based training to upgrade operation of existing guesthouses within the state

Project rationale The current accommodation provision is generally of low standard and is generally inadequate. Generally they do not provide clean sheets or towels, hot water or heating with many providing facilities only for bucket showers: A lack of facilities and

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 48 capital was a reasons stated. Guesthouses in general could also benefit from skills based training to support and upgrade facilities.

This project proposes to support existing guesthouses in more remote areas improve their provision to a basic level of tourist standard. For a guesthouse to accept infrastructure support they must commit to receiving vocational staff/management training.

Training will include: • Business management & Guesthouse Operation • Customer Service • Hygiene • Waste and wastewater management

Infrastructure Improvements will include: • Improved toilet facilities and waste management • Purchase of bed linen, towels and sundries • Other small scale support as identified

Activities 1. Consult guesthouses in all Townships to ascertain level of support 2. Develop detailed infrastructure support required per guesthouse 3. Develop detailed skills based training plan that is implementable on block-release to participants on-the-job 4. Identify and train locally based trainers 5. Implement training 6. Implement Infrastructure up-grade programme 7. Monitor implementation 8. Provide certification 9. All curricula developed to be maintained and used for future trainings and support

Implementation Curricula to be developed with International support but trainings and infrastructure to be implemented locally. Financial Budget Township consultations 8,000 information Develop skills based training programme 4,000 Develop grant support plan 2,500 Infrastructure support to Guesthouses x 16 32,000 ($2,000 per guesthouse) Week-long trainings at guesthouses x 16 32,000 Certification ($2,000 per guesthouse) Monitoring 2,000 Production of Curricula 2,000 Contingency 8,250 Total 90,750

Budget assumptions Guesthouse owners should apply for any funds through a Grant system and show a genuine commitment to upgrading facilities. A roust financial management system will be required to ensure funds are not misused.

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 49 Additional Alignment with Union This is linked to both the Myanmar Tourism Master Plan and the information policies and strategies Myanmar Community Involvement in Tourism Strategy Observations

Tourism Report for Chin State Development Plan 50