2012 - a turning point for tourism in Myanmar

In the 1990s, the smokeless industry began to gain momentum, for it coincided with “Visit Myanmar Year 1996”. Hotels of high standard mushroomed in years that followed. Unfortunately, waves of violence and instability had major repercussions for the tourism industry.

It was in 2006 that Myanmar saw a surge in tourists coming through the gates across the country. Some tourism operators regarded that year as a roaring success.

Everyone was filled with enthusiasm in the hope that more than 600,000 tourists was statistically significant for the years to come. Despite this, the ill-fated tourism relapsed into the dark ages.

The Saffron Revolution in 2007, Cyclone Nargis in 2008 and the world economic downturn had detrimental impacts on the tourism industry, which resulted in the cancellation of itineraries that had been arranged. Besides, all attempts designed to resuscitate the tourism market failed. There was a gradual decline in tourism business from 2008 to mid-2009. Only at the end of 2009 could tourism see the light at the end of the tunnel, though not completely.

In late 2010, encouraging changes were seen. Elections were hold, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was freed, and the media became more transparent. The Union of Myanmar Travel Association put it that constructive political reforms have had a strong influence on tourism.

There was a shortage of hotel accommodation in the peak season of tourism in Yangon last year. The number of tourists visiting the country swelled. The tourism industry reaped US$319 million from more than 810,000 visitors coming through Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and other border gates.

After the elections that took place on April 1 this year, the tourism industry has begun to take shape. The paradigm shift in the political arena drew greater international attention than ever before. Visitors and businessmen the world over have now come to show greater interest in the country. In addition, industrialists from neighbouring countries, as well as those from Asia and Europe, visited the country in a bid to do business. For investors, the hotel and tourism sector has become a centre of attention.

Nature Lovers, a travel agency, said: “The government has made it easier for visitors to get visas. And with new cars, transportation has become more convenient. What’s more, fewer sanctions have improved the banking system. It would be better if cards were used”.

It is no exaggeration to say that Myanmar, with its great topography, is endowed with natural beauty from north to south. No country in Southeast Asia, save Kachin in Myanmar, boasts ice-capped mountain ranges. In central Myanmar, Mandalay and Bagan are famous for their cultural heritage. Inlay is the best place to study ethnic diversity. The Ngapali beach in Rakhine and ancient religious edifices in MyaukU have lots to offer.

Myanmar, once known as Burma, is now a magnet for the tourism industry. On the other hand, the need for infrastructure remains a challenge. A shortage of hotel accommodation spells a problem. Experts predicted that further investments in the establishment of housing estates as well as the construction of hotels would be ready in three years. Another problem facing the country concerns the shortage of human resources, which is thought to have stemmed from young people leaving the country in pursuit of job opportunities abroad.

Myanmar Voyages International Tourism Co said: “The better tourism brings with it a lot of job opportunities. But these vacancies are likely to be filled with foreign workers. We should not let it happen”.

According to tourism experts, now is the time to take preventive measures against ill consequences that are likely to ensue when tourism makes progress, thereby minimising them. It is possible for improved tourism to be destined to have both positive and negative impacts. The developed world has been accustomed to dealing with the rising number of tourists. Yet, Myanmar, as a developing country, still needs to maintain a good balance in ensuring a sustainable development.