Myanmar receives tourists from 79 countries

The arrival data showed tourists from 79 countries visited Myanmar, said Union Minister Dr Htay Aung for the Hotels and Tourism during a meeting with the officials of the hotels with foreign direct investments.
“The international passenger flights have been allowed to enter the country from 17 April. Myanmar resumed its electronic visa service for tourism and business purpose. So far, international visitors from 79 countries have arrived Myanmar. The Union Minister encouraged the businesspersons to make the tax and lease payments regularly. Myanmar has granted visa exemption for citizens of eight regional countries and Russia. When the tourism industry has recovered in the high season, tourism reliant businesses such as hotels, guesthouses and other businesses are expected to thrive. That being so, the foreign owned hotels also need to cooperate with this request,” the Union Minister highlighted.
The government allocated K21.4 billion loans (3-4 per cent of budget) to hotels and lodges to effectuate the development in tourism sector. That loan covered 244 tour companies and 339 hotels and lodges. The government offers six-month grace period for the tenants (foreign hotels). Furthermore, the lease payment is also reduced by 50 per cent between April 2020 and December 2021. The licence fees of hotel, lodges, tour businesses and tour guides are also eased for one year in order to support the tourism industry.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) barometer, more than 250 million international arrivals were recorded in the first five months of 2022. The international tourism saw only 77 million in the corresponding period last year. The figures showed an increase of 173 million (25 per cent).
Online e-Visa service resumed from 20 May 2022. In his speech, the Prime Minister addressed that high number of tourist arrivals and homegrown visitors are expected in the coming tourism season.—TWA/GNLM