In 2017, Myanmar recorded a total of 1.1 million arrivals at Yangon International Airport. It was an increase of 7% compared to arrivals in the same period of 2016.
YYANGON, MYANMAR – The annual ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF, 22-26 January) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, provides an excellent platform for Myanmar among international delegates and media to showcase its diverse range of new and exciting tourism products, services and events of the country.
In 2017, Myanmar recorded a total of 1.1 million arrivals at Yangon International Airport. It was an increase of 7% compared to arrivals in the same period of 2016. Visa exemption between Myanmar and some ASEAN countries have increased arrival recorded growth Vietnam (+75%), the Philippines (+62%) and Singapore (+20%) and Thailand (12%). Recent International Air carrier increase to Myanmar will also make the destination appealing to a wider audience.
As Myanmar is getting more tourists, new hotels are opening their doors in this country. Well-known international chains: Pullman, Kempinski, MGallery, Excelsior will start their business before the end of 2018 and it is expected to create more jobs opportunity for locals.
In line with ATF 2018 theme “Sustainable Connectivity, Boundless Prosperity”, Myanmar has been focused on economic and social opportunities for people working in the tourism sector and helped to develop all communities in the country including the more remote areas. Overland programs between Myanmar and Thailand have been offered through one of the 4 official border posts. We do hope that it will be easy to enter and depart also through border post with Indian and China in the future to expend our connectivity between neighbouring countries. Myanmar recently worked on an update of the DOs & DON’Ts for tourists https://www.dosanddontsfortourists.com in order to prevent the negative impacts relating to culture, society and the environment.
There is a high hope and possibility that remain across the country that tourism will bring positive image of this culturally diverse country. Nowhere in Asia will you find a more mystical and undiscovered destination to explore: colonial heritage of Yangon, the scattered temples in Bagan, the ancient capital of Mandalay, and the unique “leg rowing” fishermen of Inle Lake. Without fail, visitors to Myanmar will be amazed by the breathtaking beauty and unfailing show of hospitality by the Burmese.
On 25 January, there will be Myanmar Media Briefing at ATF and will give a presentation to the media on update information of tourism sector in the country. Myanmar Tourism Marketing has invited travel journalists and instagrammers to visit the country and organize media trips for publications that are interested to show and share their experiences.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
