Tourism in Myanmar

Balloon rides are a popular way for tourists to see the pagodas of Bagan

Tourism in Myanmar (also known as Burma) is a developing sector. As at 2023, new tourist visa applications resume.[1] Although Myanmar possesses tourist potential, much of the industry remains to be developed. The number of visitors to Burma is small compared to its neighbouring countries. This is primarily due to its political situation. However, after the junta transferred power to the civilian government, the tourism sector saw an increase in tourism arrivals, and in 2012, tourist arrivals surpassed the one million mark for the first time. In 2013, the Tourism Master Plan was created, targeting 7.5 million arrivals by 2020.[2]

Tourism has been developed mainly by Myanmar's government, which has encouraged tourism since 1992. Private enterprises also exist, catering to a wide range of tourists.

In 2010, 791,505 foreign tourists visited Myanmar, with 295,174 foreign tourists entering the country via Yangon International Airport.[3] By 2012, more than 1 million foreign tourists visited Myanmar. In 2013, the number of foreign arrivals reached more than 2.04 million, counting both air and overland arrivals.[2]

Tourism has been promoted by advocacy groups as a method of providing economic benefit to Burmese civilians, and to avoid isolating the country from the rest of the world. Voices for Burma, a pro-democracy advocate group, states, "We believe that small-scale, responsible tourism can create more benefits than harm. So long as tourists are fully aware of the situation and take steps to maximise their positive impact and minimise the negatives, we feel their visit can be beneficial overall. Responsible tourists can help Burma primarily by bringing money to local communities and small businesses, and by raising awareness of the situation worldwide."[4]

A former Burmese tourism minister estimated that 12% of the government revenues are derived from tourism, with the tourism industry contributing US$182 million (2007) to the government's annual budget.[5]

In March 2020, Myanmar has closed its borders to international tourists as a measure to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.[6][7] Furthermore, following the 2021 coup, the country became increasingly isolated. Large-scale protests and escalating acts of violence have inflicted significant damage upon Myanmar's economy, including the tourism sector, which has been pushed into a state of decline.[8][9][10]

The country reopened to international flights on April 17, 2022, given the decrease in infection cases and the reopening of neighboring countries. In a statement issued by the committee, the decision to reopen aims to boost the tourism sector and provide favorable conditions for visitors to come and explore Myanmar.[11][12][13]

  1. ^ "Foreign travel advice Myanmar (Burma)". Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Amid Burma Tourism Boom, Calls for Govt to Aid Development". 6 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  3. ^ Feng, Yingqiu (1 June 2011). "Myanmar continues efforts in developing tourism". Xinhua. Archived from the original on 3 June 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  4. ^ Voices For Burma's tourism policy http://www.voicesforburma.org/
  5. ^ "Report on Tourism in Burma" (PDF). Info Birmanie. March 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 January 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2011. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. ^ VTV, BAO DIEN TU (28 August 2020). "Số ca mắc COVID-19 tăng, Myanmar đóng cửa trường học trên toàn quốc". BAO DIEN TU VTV (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  7. ^ "Đông – Nam Á trong đại dịch Covid-19". Báo Nhân Dân điện tử (in Vietnamese). 17 March 2020. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  8. ^ "Myanmar mở cửa cho khách quốc tế". bvhttdl.gov.vn (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  9. ^ "Biểu tình lớn nhất tại Myanmar trong hơn một thập niên". BBC News Tiếng Việt (in Vietnamese). 7 February 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  10. ^ "Thiết quân luật được mở rộng sau ngày đẫm máu ở Myanmar". BBC News Tiếng Việt (in Vietnamese). 15 March 2021. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  11. ^ VnExpress. "3 quốc gia châu Á vẫn kiểm dịch Covid-19 với khách du lịch". vnexpress.net (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  12. ^ VTV, BAO DIEN TU (19 March 2022). "Myanmar mở cửa đón du khách quốc tế từ ngày 17/4". BAO DIEN TU VTV (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  13. ^ "Myanmar mở lại sân bay quốc tế Yangon sau hai năm". caa.gov.vn. Retrieved 16 August 2023.