Most foreign tourists visiting Myanmar during last two months are Thai

12 February 2023
Most foreign tourists visiting Myanmar during last two months are Thai

Mizzima

The Myanmar Tourism Federation that out of the foreign tourists coming to Myanmar in the first two months of 2023, Thais make up the largest number.

The Myanmar junta has been trying to put a positive face on their tourism industry that has been dramatically impacted by the 2021 coup and the ongoing crisis and conflicts in the country.

Not surprisingly, western tourists are not rushing to the Golden Land.

The Myanmar Tourism Federation Chairman said: “The number of foreign tourists increased much in January and February but the number of tourists from western countries is still low.”

Most Thai tourists travelled to Yangon for sightseeing and Kyaikhiyo Pagoda pilgrimage and the number of Thai tourists going to sea resorts is very low.

The tourism industry has revived a little bit since October last year with a few domestic and foreign travellers after a two-year suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic. The domestic travellers visited Bagan, Chuangtha, Ngwesaung, Pyioolwin and also to Taunggyi, Inle and Kalaw in southern Shan State during the last vacation period of November and December.

The government banned visiting the Sagaing Region and the Rakhine State for domestic travellers. Foreign travellers seeking to travel to these regions must get prior permission from the government 10 days in advance, though it is unclear whether permission will be granted.