Tourism
From The Report: Myanmar 2016
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Hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists have visited Myanmar since 2010 when relations with the West thawed and the country began to open up to the outside world. While some are eager to experience the South-east Asian nation’s rich culture and heritage, others are simply curious to see the once isolated country before it changes forever. At the same time, economic development is expanding the market for domestic tourists, as their economic situation improves, allowing them to explore their country’s varied destinations. The year 2016 has been designated “Visit Myanmar Year” by the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and will provide an opportunity for the country to step up its international marketing campaigns to encourage people to visit. With significant hotel capacity and new transport infrastructure needed, the challenge will be to manage the expansion of the tourism sector in a sustainable way so that all parties can benefit. This chapter contains interviews with U Yan Win, Chairman, Myanmar Tourism Federation; and Anders Aeroe, Director of the Division of Market Development, International Trade Centre.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

On the map: The authorities look to lay stronger foundations for growth
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Hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists have visited Myanmar since relations with the West thawed and the country began to open up to the outside world in 2010. While some are eager to experience the South-east Asian nation’s rich culture and heritage, others are simply curious to see the once isolated country before it changes forever. At the same time, economic development is expanding the market of domestic tourists with the resources to explore their country’s varied destinations. Growth…

Interview

Open for business: OBG talks to U Yan Win, Chairman, Myanmar Tourism Federation (MTF)
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Interview:U Yan Win Where does investment need to be focused to ensure the sustainable development of Myanmar’s tourism industry in the coming years? U YAN WIN: Since 2011, the tourism industry has been gaining ground and assisting in the development efforts of Myanmar, with a substantial growth in international tourist arrivals and foreign direct investment. The MTF recognises that tourism is a labour-intensive industry, employing workers with low to high skillsets, and can provide one…

Interview

New horizons: OBG talks to Anders Aeroe, Director of the Division of Market Development, International Trade Centre (ITC)
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Interview:Anders Aeroe How will the ITC’s Inclusive Tourism project enhance the tourism sector in Kayah State? ANDERS AEROE: Myanmar is emerging as an important new trade and investment partner, as well as travel destination in South-east Asia. It is estimated that 5m visitors will visit the country in 2015, up from 3m in 2014. Myanmar offers tourism experiences that cannot be found elsewhere. Beyond Myanmar’s top destinations (Bagan, Mandalay, Yangon and Inle Lake), there are many authentic…

Analysis

A hidden gem: The natural beauty of Mergui has caught the eye of developers
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Deep in the south of Myanmar, the Mergui Archipelago is almost off the map. Mostly uninhabited, the islands are home to around 2000 people, mostly Moken, known as “sea gypsies”, many of whom are skilled divers and fishermen living a semi-nomadic lifestyle. Some of the roughly 800 limestone and granite islands are just rocks jutting out of the sea, while others are clad with untouched forest and fringed by white sandy beaches. With its natural beauty, this Andaman Sea archipelago is attracting…

Analysis

Heritage city: Rich architecture offers visitors to Yangon a glimpse into the past
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As little as five years ago, Yangon was a dark and crumbling city, the roads largely quiet apart from the occasional decrepit taxi. Now the streets of Myanmar’s biggest city are filled with second-hand Japanese saloons, mostly used as taxis, and the sky punctuated by cranes adding high-rise buildings. Despite rapid development, and unlike other South-east Asian cities, Yangon has retained many of its heritage buildings; an unparalleled collection of 19th and early 20th century architecture. “I…