YANGON - Myanmar's tourism authorities are taking measures and cooperating with private tour operators and travel agencies in the country to improve tourism services in a bid to lure more foreign tourist.

Tour operators were invited by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism in Nay Pyi Taw Tuesday to the meet for seeking means for improving tourism services using their experiences and knowledge.

"Myanmar is pursuing the objectives of improving Myanmar tourism industry and making Myanmar a tourist's paradise," Minister U Tint Hsan told the meeting.

LIFTING VASA-ON-ARRIVAL SUSPENSION

As one of the measures in promoting tourism, Myanmar has lifted suspension of visa-on-arrival arranged through travel agencies for visitors from regions where no Myanmar embassy is set up.

Myanmar re-granted the visa-on-arrival of its kind, which was halted in last September ahead of then Myanmar's general election in November the same year.

At present, as a special case, Myanmar issues such visa to travelers brought back from Cambodia's Siem Reap and China's Guangzhou after the Myanmar Airways International (MAI) launched its maiden flights to the two destinations in February and March this year.

Meanwhile, Myanmar is deliberating to grant such visa-on- arrival for 10 selected countries phase by phase.

DELIBERATING WITH GSM MEMBERS FOR SINGLE VISA APPLICATION

Myanmar is deliberating with five other member countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) -- China, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam to introduce single visa system as part of its economic cooperation in the subregion.

The plan will be raised at the GMS travel show to be held in Myanmar's ancient city of Bagan later this year.

The 4,500-km Mekong river originates from China's Qinghai and runs through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam down to South China Sea near Ho Chi Minh city.

Myanmar, a member of the six-country GMS, has worked for closer economic ties including tourism together with other members of the grouping.