During a press conference at the ITB in Berlin a delegation from Myanmar Tourism Marketing called for action from European tour operators to support tourism in the country and be leaders in sustainability and keep engaging with Myanmar.
“We do call on everybody visiting the ITB to support the Myanmar tourism industry and actively promote Myanmar as a sustainable tourist destination and we ask people NOT to politicize tourism but instead help Myanmar to celebrate its cultural diversity” said Mrs May Myat Mon Win, Myanmar Tourism Marketing Chairperson.
In 2017, Myanmar recorded a total of 1.1 million arrivals at Yangon International Airport. It was an increase of 7% compared to arrivals in the same period of 2016. The main increases were from China and other Asian countries while the number of International arrivals at Yangon airport from Western countries increased only by 2%.
Myanmar is hoping to attract tourists by having a green season promotion with special offers from hotels, restaurants and airlines at popular destinations throughout the country. Myanmar Tourism Marketing launches during the ITB a special green season brochure and has identified 10 advantages to lure tourists to the country from May till September:
- Be amazed by the 50 shades of green (from paddy fields to forest)
- Get a front-row view of the lush Myanmar landscapes
- Enjoy best tasting food with Myanmar’s seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Walk on fresh roads naturally cooled by rainy season showers (not dusty)
- Make the most out of your visit when you get the most daylight in a day(early sunrise, late sunset)
- Forget about extreme weathers with temperate weather (not too hot in the dry zone – not too cold in the mountains)
- Find the best accommodations and tours at their best prices
- Easiest time of the year to book, you’re almost guaranteed to have much more selection of great hotels and resorts
- Take no queues (or other tourists photo bombing your selfie)
- Get to support local entrepreneurs year-round by keeping tourism alive
The Myanmar Tourism industry further focussed on the diversity the country offers to tourists including new community based tourism projects that have been set-up around the country, variety in festivals and food and the diversity in sights. “The time that visiting Myanmar was only about temples is long gone”, said Mrs May Myat Mon Win, “and the new Myanmar offers activities for people of any age and nationality. From foodies to nature trekking & biking, from shopping to wellness, spa & meditation and from lazy beach stays to actively meeting different communities.”
Myanmar Tourism Marketing aims to have more tourists in 2018 as tourism can help in poverty reduction and connect communities all around the country. Therefore, Myanmar Tourism will focus in 2018 more on the secondary new destinations like Northern Shan state, Mon & Kayin State, Kayah State, Chin state, Dawei & Myeik archipelago and Rakhine state.
During ITB Berlin, Myanmar Tourism Marketing is organizing a range of activities: the launch of the new green season brochure, Mekong Mini Movie festival launch and Myanmar wine evening. There will be special Thanaka demonstration stage. This yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark, is not only considered a cosmetic skin beauty, but also carries significant meaning to the people of Myanmar and a traditional part of their culture.
The Myanmar Tourism industry is working hard to overcome challenges of the past and to show case it’s diversity to visitors from all around the world.
