Rakhine reopened to tourists

Rakhine saw a series conflicts between ethnic Rakhine and Bengalis in the northern state. The riots followed weeks of sectarian disputes and have been condemned by most people on both sides of the conflict. The immediate cause of the riots is unclear, with many commentators citing the killing of 10 Burmese Muslims by ethnic Rakhine after the rape and murder of a Rakhine woman as the main cause.

Sittwe, Waitharli, Mrauk-u and Mahamyatmuni were declared out of bounds for visitors. However, now tourists are allowed to go to those places, including Thandwe, since September 24. Tourist arrivals had been declining due to the restrictions and local travel agents had submitted their problems to respective departments and state government.

A tourist guide said: “The President’s Office allowed it on September 24. Rakhine state government Chief Minister Hla Maung Tin and Regional Hotel and Tourism Minister Ohn Kyi discussed the situation and decided to allow the tourists to visit those places. Tourists are coming a lot in the peak season and Thandwe attracts both local and overseas tourists.” 

The number of local tourists has also declined due to the crisis in Rakhine state. 

Hla Thein, a spokesperson for the Rakhine state government, said: “The tourism industry will face many difficulties if tourists don’t come. We are weighing the situation in Rakhine state and have to think of restaurants, hotels, guides and travelling agents. We have to take care of social security. Now tourists can go anywhere and anytime.”