Myanmar Tourism Rebounds with Chinese Influx

YANGON (Xinhua): Myanmar’s tourism industry has experienced a remarkable rebound in the fiscal year 2022-23, largely driven by a surge in Chinese visitors.If you plan to visit Myanmar, you’ll require a Myanmar visa, which is a necessary requirement for entry.  Here’s a detailed breakdown of this resurgence:

Shwedagon Pagoda (officially named Shwedagon Zedi Daw) and also known as the Great Dagon Pagoda. A gilded stupa located in Yangon, Myanmar.

Rapid Growth in International Tourist Arrivals

  • In the fiscal year 2022-23, Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism reported a remarkable rebound in the country’s tourism industry.
  • The reopening of international commercial airlines in Myanmar in April of the previous year led to a staggering 187% increase in international tourist arrivals compared to the previous fiscal year.

Impressive Visitor Statistics

An unidentified boy selling heis postcards at Lawkananda Pagoda in Bagan,Myanmar.

  • Myanmar welcomed a total of 367,368 international tourists in the fiscal year 2022-23, marking a significant increase from the 127,989 visitors registered in the same period a year earlier.
  • Among these tourists, 48,342, or approximately 13.15% of the total, were Chinese visitors.

Capitalizing on the Chinese Market

  • U Hla Myint, the deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, emphasized the importance of the Chinese tourism market and its potential for growth.
  • Efforts are underway to promote Myanmar as a desirable destination among Chinese tourists, with a focus on increasing their knowledge about the country’s attractions.

Diversifying Tourist Sources

  • Myanmar is not solely relying on the Chinese market and is actively targeting tourists from other countries as well.
  • The country is looking to attract visitors from India, Russia, and other member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Enhancing Services for Chinese Tourists

  • In August of the previous year, Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism conducted a basic Chinese-speaking course in Nay Pyi Taw. This initiative aimed to provide better tourism services to Chinese tourists, making their experience more enjoyable and convenient.

Popular Tourist Destinations

  • Tourists are flocking to renowned destinations in Myanmar, including Bagan, Mandalay, Kyaiktiyo, and Inle.
  • Coastal destinations like Ngapali and Chaungtha are also attracting visitors seeking beach experiences.
  • U Hla Myint expressed optimism about the future of tourism in Myanmar, highlighting the safety and accessibility of popular destinations such as Ngapali and Yangon.

Cultural Appeal

  • Myanmar’s cultural attractions, such as pagodas in Bagan and the unique experience of leg-rowing on Inle Lake, are highly cherished by tourists, further underscoring the country’s appeal as a cultural destination.
  • These cultural assets contribute significantly to Myanmar’s allure among international travelers.

International Participation

  • Myanmar plans to participate in international tourism fairs to enhance its global visibility and attract more visitors.
  • By actively engaging with the international tourism community, Myanmar aims to promote its diverse attractions and foster sustainable tourism growth.

In conclusion, Myanmar’s tourism industry is on the path to recovery and growth, thanks in large part to an influx of Chinese tourists. However, the country is not limiting its efforts to a single market, actively working to diversify and enhance its tourism offerings to cater to a broader range of visitors. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse destinations, Myanmar holds significant potential for continued tourism growth in the coming years.

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