Impacts on Tourism ICTs are supporting the growth of the tourism sector in Myanmar, which was estimated to contribute $905 million to the Myanmar economy in 2014. 149 In September 2014, the Ministry of Immigration and Population launched an e-visa system, available to tourists from 41 countries. 150 This system is accessible online, allowing tourists to apply for and pay the visa fee online. Tourist visa are usually approved in 72 hours. ICTs are also supporting improvements to booking and reservation management for airlines and hotels. Most of Myanmar’s major airlines now offer online ticketing options, while hotels and guesthouses are listing rooms on websites such as Agoda, Expedia or Booking.com (to the detriment of local hotel and flight booking agents) 151. In top tourist destinations such as Bagan and Inle Lake, small business owners are using social media to promote their services to visiting tourists and build a brand. Tourists are able to post reviews and photos, which can increase (or decrease) repeat or future business. Improved telecommunications is also supporting expanded payment options for visitors. While still not widely accepted, some restaurants and hotels are beginning to accept payment by credit card. This, in addition to the number of ATMs now in operation throughout Myanmar’s major cities, provides tourists with greater flexibility to make unplanned purchases for example of souvenirs and crafts, providing local economic benefits. Impacts on Migration – Communication and Remittances MCRB’s field assessment found that it remains common for recent graduates of technological universities in Myanmar to migrate to Thailand or Singapore for better job opportunities. While a new graduate could earn $200-$300 per month at a local Myanmar ICT company, field research indicated entry-level salaries in comparable roles ranged from $1300 to $2000 per month in Singapore. Remittances from skilled and unskilled Myanmar migrant workers provide essential support to livelihoods, education, and health. 152 It is estimated that inbound remittances to Myanmar total approximately $8 billion per year with half of transactions taking place outside of formal systems. 153 This is approximately 13% of Myanmar’s $59.4 billion 2012 GDP. 154 While some are able to send money home with friends, many rely on informal systems such as the ‘hundie’ network for remittances. This system is based on a network of agents and brokers who can transfer money between countries. Fees can range from 0.01 to 2% depending on exchange rate fluctuations. In other informal transfer systems fees can reach as high as 20%. 155 149 Mizzima News, “Myanmar Tourism to Earn US$900 Million in 2014, (December 2014). The Straights Times, “Myanmar Targets 5 Million Tourists with E-Visa” (September 2014). 151 Myanmar Times “Local tourism companies face online competition” (26 May 2015). 152 Andy Hall, “Myanmar Migrant Workers, Briefing and Recommendations” (April 2012). 153 Aye Thidar Kyaw, “Hundi Remittance Lives On” Myanmar Times (July 2014). 154 UNDATA, “Myanmar 2012 GDP Data” (last accessed August 2015) 155 Gwen Robinson, “The True Cost of Expat Workers Sending Cash Home Remain Hidden” Financial Times (March 2013). 150 CHAPTER 3: SECTOR-LEVEL IMPACTS 99 3