More Tourists Visit Myanmar

Myanmar

Myanmar’s tourist arrivals hit a record high for the second year running in 2011, rising more than 20 per cent over the year before, according to figures from the country’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

The number of foreign visitors arriving through Yangon increased 21.7 per cent to 359,359, up from 295,147 in 2010. More than two-thirds were from Asian countries, including 59,010 from Thailand, the largest single group, followed by China with 32,757. South Korea contributed 18,925 visitors.

European nationals accounted for 65,367 travellers, representing 22.1 per cent of total arrivals. France led the way with 13,102 visitors, followed by Germany (10,932) and the UK (7195).

Myanmar

The figures also revealed a sharp 44 per cent jump in visitors arriving on business visas, which are considered tourist arrivals. Business travellers made up 69,943, or almost 20 per cent, of all foreign visitors in 2011, up from 48,549 the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of foreigners arriving on social visas climbed about 20 per cent to 33,273.

A Ministry of Hotels and Tourism spokesperson said the government was working to establish strategies that ensured tourism developed in a sustainable and responsible manner.

“We are aware of the importance of smooth facilitation of travel for international visitors, and the government has recently formed the committee for smooth entrance of foreign visitors,” the spokesperson said. “The government’s long-term tourism objectives are to develop the industry to generate revenue, to create job opportunities and create income for residents.”

Myanmar

The spokesperson said the government had set about upgrading tourism-related infrastructure and facilities, and was keen to boost awareness of existing destinations through print material such as tourism guidebooks, brochures and leaflets.

“We were also able to establish a PATA Myanmar Chapter in November… we will continue to promote our tourism industry through PATA’s activities in the future,” the spokesperson added.