CNI News

October 27, 2023

Although about one million Russian tourists entered Thailand from January 2023 to September 2023, nearly 2,000 Russian tourists arrived in Myanmar during the same period. According to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism, 1,896 Russian tourists only entered Myanmar from January to September this year.

Myanmar-Russia tourism sector has been continuously promoted since 2022 and direct flight between the two country has started. So, it was necessary to know why the number of Russian tourists who come to Myanmar was few, U Zaw Zaw, chairman of the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, northern Shan State, told CNI News.

" Thailand has relaxed a lot of restrictions on tourists. And Thai visa has allowed tourists to stay for 30 days. Thai officials know to target which tourists and that they want the market of which tourists and what the market is demanding. So, they make the necessary relaxations. Thai government also gives full powers to tourism officials. They cooperate very hard. So, They are better than us, I think. The reason why a lot of Russians come to Thailand is related to their travel arrangements,their facilities, price differences and Russia's interests. We need to change our policy. What should be relaxed must be relaxed. We have to do a lot to make tourists safe. We need to know what they want and what are things they are interested in, I think." he said.

Only Russian tourists entered Myanmar between January and September in 2022. But during the same period in 2023, the number of tourists has more than doubled compared to last year. However, the growth rate is still low, hotel and tourism entrepreneurs pointed out. For the influx of tourists from war-torn Russia, the strategies used by Thailand should be studied, U Thet Lwin Toe, a tourism entrepreneur, told CNI News.

While seeing Russian tourists at the Phuket Beach in Thailand

" Thailand gives return visas to Russians free of charge. And they are allowed to stay in Thailand for three months or one year. Moreover, they are allowed to stay in long stay apartments at the beaches, which is kind of similar to home stay. Hotels are, as you know, very expensive and suitable to stay for a few days. Besides, Thai authorities have created nightlife and entertainments to make tourists happy. Russians spend a lot on shopping and drinking. But Myanmar has not created nightlife to attract tourists. Although hotels here in Myanmar are not too expensive, security is important to tourists. Whatever tourists do in Thailand, they are safe. Tourist policemen are protecting them. But safety cannot be guaranteed here." he said.

Russian tourists came to Myanmar for their interest only rather that for spending their leisure. So, the tourists like that would not be welcome, some hotel and tourism entrepreneurs pointed out. At present, 80,221 Chinese tourists entered Myanmar between January and September 2023 and over 70,000 increased compared to same period last year, according to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism.

Moreover, the number of Indian tourists like Russian, Chinese and Thai tourists will probably increase, hotel and tourism entrepreneurs have expected.