Fastest growing tourism market
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Myanmar has become the fastest growing tourism market in Southeast Asia, according to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
Last year tourism in Myanmar grew by 26 per cent, followed by Cambodia (20 per cent), Thailand (20 per cent), and Vietnam (19 per cent), it said.
Two weeks ago, the UNWTO held workshops in Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw to discuss strategic directions for the tourism industry.
UNWTO regional director for Asia and the Pacific Xu Jing said this was the best time for the tourism industry, especially in Myanmar.
UNWTO consultant Hans Carl Jacobsen said that tourists would be more interested in home-stay programmes. However, he warned the government and tourist industry officials to go for a value-based strategy, not a volume-based one.
¨The challenge now is to manage the influx of tourists in a way that ensures that the benefits of increased tourism flow down to the people – which among other things will help to combat poverty – and assist the country in conserving its natural and cultural resources for future generations,” he said.
