Booming Tourism: Arrivals Increase A Million Each Year In Average

Although tourists arrivals into Myanmar is increasing , it is still lower than countries in the region as the neighboring Thailand is receiving 24 million, China 100 million and Malaysia 30 million each year. Operators said more destinations and appealing programs should be introduced to attract more globe trotters.  

Tourist arrivals has been increasing in the country from 1.6 million in 2012 to 4.68 million last year, with more than a million difference each year in average.  It increased 1.5 fold last year compare to 2014.   

Chairman, Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, Thet Lwin Toe: But it is important for tour companies to receive package tours to benefit more. Last year, package tour was 22% in 2014 and it decreased to 18% in 2015. The package tour number decreased due to flooding and the election.  

Tourist arrivals from the border has increased to 3.3 million. The number of passenger cruise and charter flights has also increased.

Most of the tourists are interested in the areas where they can recreate and enjoy entertainment. The operators said that Myanmar should expose more areas that are rich in tradition and culture with good programs. It will be more beneficial if appealing programs can be created with creative outlooks, they said. 

IN-Charge, Directorate of Hotels and Tourism (Yangon Region), Ohn Myint: We have a master plan from 2013 to 2020, expecting about 7 million. Tourist arrivals into Myanmar increased 52% in 2015 than 2014. As tourist arrivals are increasing, efforts need to be made for the development in the tourism destination areas.