CNI News

13 September 2024

Because of the political instability and worrying security conditions, travelling within the country in the open season could decrease, according to tourism entrepreneurs. 

As the restricted area has been more spacious because of territorial instability, trips within the country have decreased, U Thet Lwin Toe, a tourism entrepreneur, told CNI news.

" Now there has been an increase in the number of restricted territories. When we are in Mandalay, we are not allowed to climb up the Mandalay Hill. And we can't go to Mingun as well. In addition, we can't go to Pekon. Moreover, We can't go to Chin, Kayah, Rakhine States and the Ngapali Beach. And we can't say it's safe in northern and southern Shan State. But we can go to Inle Lake. We can't send our tourists to Tanintharyi. But we can go to Kyaiktiyo." he said.

Although there were about seven million domestic tourists in previous years, there might be a decrease in the number of domestic tourists by road because commodity prices are going up and there has been a shortage of fuel oil, reviewed people. Moreover, young and middle aged people are checked and asked on the way.

While seeing some tourists at a beach

For the time being, it is reportedly convenient to go on a trip to Bagan, Inle, Kalaw, Yangon, Bago, Kyaiktiyo, Ngwe Saung and Chaungtha. 

Moreover, with the political instability, because there is a lack of security, the number of tourists from abroad could decrease, said U Thet Lwin Toe.

" The number of international visitors who entered Myanmar last year was 1.2 million. Of them, only 250,000 entered from the Yangon Airport. The rest entered from border gates such as Muse, Tachileik, Kawthaung. But now, Muse gate has been closed down. I think the number of international visitors will decrease this year." he said.

However, more tourists within the country would enter Bagan in the open season to come although there has been an decrease in the number of tourists who enter Bagan at present, Ko Kyaw Swar Lin, a hotel and tourism entrepreneur, told CNI News.

" According to the current situation, there are some groups that come from abroad as well. But we mainly hope more local pilgrim groups will come to Bagan." he said.

While there has been a sharp decrease in the number of tourists from local and abroad, only a few foreigners who live within the country can be found. So, Those who make a living in the tourism industry are facing crises.