Arrivals to Myanmar soar 44 per cent

 STRONG growth in arrivals to Myanmar are likely to continue even after the country crossed the one-million mark in 2012, as evidenced by skyrocketing growth rates between January and April this year.

During the first four months of 2013, Myanmar welcomed 253,136 tourists or a 43.9 per cent increase over 2012’s 175,930 visitors, according to statistics from the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism.

Asians comprised over 60 per cent of total inbound, including 37,333 from Thailand, the largest single group by nationality, followed by Japan (21,779), South Korea (18,813) and China (16,041). From Europe, France led with 15,251, followed by the UK (13,119) and Germany (11,289).

Aung Myat Kyaw, chairman, Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA), said: “Last year more than one million tourists visited the country. Since Myanmar is a popular destination and is increasingly in demand I believe the arrivals (for 2013) will be 50 per cent more than last year.”

Frank Janmaat, managing director, Light House Hospitality Consultancy, said that for years the tourism industry had suffered because of negative reports in international media and that the expansion of tourism was good news for all related to the industry.

However, in reference to Yangon’s high room rates due to accommodation demand far outstripping supply (TTG Asia e-Daily, November 21, 2012), Janmaat cautioned that the industry should be careful not to go “killing the goose that lays the golden eggs”.

He added that he hoped “all involved (will) take responsibility and work for the long-term sustainability of tourism in Myanmar and not for short-term gains”.

Yangon received the overwhelming majority of international air arrivals, and FITs made up the largest segment of travellers, followed by package tourists.

Sourced: ttgasia