"Myanmar will give the green light to new hotels in its southernmost archipelago by the end of the year, officials say. The largely unspoilt Mergui archipelago comprises 800 islands in the Andaman Sea, just off the continental coast. "The region has a lot of potential to be a new tourism destination as most of the islands are untouched and have coral reefs," said Sai Kyaw Ohn, deputy minister for hotels and tourism. "We hope these can attract eco-tourists and divers." Some 27 local companies and joint ventures are awaiting approval from the Myanmar Investment Commission for new hotel and resort projects on the islands, he said..."