Earthquake disaster could reduce tourism in Myanmar

CNI News

12 April 2025

The earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025, could reduce domestic and international tourism, tour operators told CNI News. 

Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Inle Lake are popular tourist destinations, but as the earthquake centered around Mandalay and Sagaing, these areas felt the pinch of the earthquake badly.

Therefore, some tourists may only visit Bagan and beach areas during the Thingyan holiday, a tourism entrepreneur told CNI.

"The current tourists mainly go to Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake. Bagan is okay. Mandalay is badly damaged. In Inle Lake, you can only see three places. Hundreds of must-see places are all destroyed. The time to repair will take at least 6 months to 1 year because the rescue operations are still ongoing. Recovery and reconstruction will also take time. Donors will also be needed. Some people may go to beach areas during Thingyan, I think. Others may go to Bagan. They all can't go to Mandalay." he said.

Compared to the number of foreign tourists who entered the country in 2024, it is not easy to reach 1 million in 2025. 

While seeing beachgoers

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism announced on April 3 that it has temporarily suspended the application of visitor visas for foreigners who will visit Myanmar.

Online applications for visitor visas have been suspended, and applications can be made in person at embassies. 

A travel agent told CNI that it could be convenient to apply for a visitor visa at the embassy.

" If people from the countries with Myanmar Embassies apply for visit visas at the embassy, it is convenient. Some foreigners want to come to Myanmar to study the situation. Because nothing happened to Bagan, they want to study it. But they are not from western countries. There are people from Greece, Spain, Mexico and Argentina who want to come to Myanmar. But two package tours were cancelled in April. So, it would be convenient if visa on arrival was allowed." he said.

he earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 has left 3,649 people dead, 5,018 injured, and 145 missing as of April 9, 2025, according to Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Htun, leader of the SAC Information Team.

In addition, roads, bridges, communication networks, homes, religious buildings, schools, government offices, staff housing, and hotels were destroyed.