Myanmar sees recovery

BANGKOK – Despite last September’s violence in Myanmar, its Ministry of Hotels and Tourism remains confident of a prompt recovery in 2008.



“Prior to September’s events, we were experiencing a tremendous year with growth in tourist arrivals at 25 percent,” said Htay Aung, director general.



Total arrivals to the country grew only by about 14 percent. However, air arrivals – the best indicator of “real” tourist arrivals as it includes long-haul markets- reflected the impact of the crisis.



Compared to 2006, arrivals at Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan international airports totalled 248,000, down by some six percent.



“We expect to grow again by 25 percent in 2008, as we are already back to normalcy,” added Aung. “We are again experiencing growth from markets such as France and Germany”.



This was confirmed by Thai Airways director for Southeast Asia, Pruet Boobphakam. “We are increasing again our flights to Yangon as the market picks up since the beginning of the year,” he said. The private sector has been active in re-launching the destination with special packages. Over 100,000 special tours have been put into Myanmar major international markets.