A record-breaking number of tourists visited Myanmar (Burma) last year, signalling that the once off-limits country is now on the road to recovery. (Featured image by llee_wu)
According to recent statistics, more than one million tourists paid a visit to the country in 2012 and even more are expected this year.
Last year’s tourism performance saw a 30 per cent rise in the number of visitors compared to 2011, when approximately 800,000 visited the country.
The influx of visitors has driven up earnings for the country, with data showing a 67 per cent increase in tourism revenue for 2012.
Around £336 million was generated from tourism last year, up from just £201 million in 2011.
“This is a very outstanding year for the industry. We have never experienced it before,” said Phyoe Wai Yar Zar, from the Myanmar Tourism Board.
The boom in tourism figures comes at a time of transition for a nation that was once isolated from the rest of the world.
With the release of pro-democracy hero Aung San Suu Kyi and a reformist government in place, more and more visitors are being tempted to Burma.
The country’s tourism industry has a lot to thank Aung San Suu Kyi for. During the years of military rule she urged visitors to stay away, but has subsequently relaxed her stance since being released.
While the boost to tourist numbers has been welcomed, there is a concern that Burma’s infrastructure won’t be able to handle the extra capacity.
Travel firms are offering tours to popular hotspots such as the city of Mandalay, the temple complex at Bagan and the Buddhist stupas in Yangon. Reports suggest that accommodation in these areas is struggling to meet demand.
Phyo Wai Yar Zar, however, is not worried. “Our current capacity can handle it very well. It is not the optimum yet,” he said.
With 1.5 million visitors expected this year, Burma’s tourism industry is expected to grow and grow in the years to come. It’s a recommended destination for 2013, chosen by National Geographic Traveler.
