Myanmar: Myanmar Tourism Profile

After tourists were deterred from visiting Myanmar by the ruling military regime’s crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in 2007 and the devastation wrought by Cyclone Nargis in 2008, they returned in 2009 to deliver the fastest increase in arrivals since 2006. Although closer ties and an open border with China is fuelling a new trend of growth in arrivals from the north, this rise in growth is not necessarily a demonstration of an overall growth trend towards Myanmar, but represents more of a return to pre-2007 levels.

It is a shame that the actions of Myanmar’s military regime ensure that the country remains a pariah to the international community, or at least in the eyes of Western nations, since the country contains much that would otherwise ensure that it would become a key tourist destination, competing well with neighbouring Thailand in terms of such factors as ancient ruins, Buddhist religious site, beautiful beaches and idyllic islands.

Although the new capital Naypyidaw is not yet a significant tourist destination in itself, it has the potential to inspire business travel, particularly by those with connections to the military regime. The establishment of the new capital has at least resulted in the significant development of tourist infrastructure, including an international airport, ultimately designed to be able to handle 10 million passengers per year, and a ‘hotel zone’ featuring eight hotels. Whether these will ever be used to capacity remains to be seen.

The future of Myanmar is set to be determined in 2010, through the first elections to be held in Myanmar for two decades. If Myanmar is able to produce free and fair elections and thus provide some legitimacy to its system of government, then the potential for the easing of sanctions, boycotts and other factors that discourage travellers from visiting and businesses from investing may fade, and travel and tourism will therefore be likely to boom. Whether this opportunity will in fact materialise is not yet known.

The political situation in Myanmar remains unpredictable and it is felt that after the 2010 election anything could happen. However, regardless of who wins the election, Myanmar is on the road – albeit a very slow road – towards opening up, selectively, to its neighbours. China and Thailand are likely to remain Myanmar’s primary source markets for travel and tourism, whilst the potential for opening its border with India, thus creating an overland route between India and China, would further incorporate Myanmar into the world economy, and therefore by extension global travel and tourism.