Myanmar Sees Positive Growth For Tourism In 2016

In the last half-decade, Myanmar has managed to improve its tourism sector. From 2011 to 2015, tourism has attracted more than 4.68 million, five times its 800,000 number of visitors in 2011. Myanmar predicts it would have six million visitors by the end of its evaluation of 2016 tourism. The Myanmar Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is positive that the industry will continue to develop in the future.

According to Channel News Asia, Myanmar is blessed with natural attractions but needs more in terms of experienced industry workers and developing travel-oriented programs, facilities and resorts. The news website cited the Asian Development Bank's statement that tourism is Myanmar's main economic driver and the country should invest in human resources and further infrastructure to improve its tourism.

The news website added that the country "opened up" with a new government that acknowledges investment in tourism and understanding its workforce's capabilities. According to International Labor Organization Chief in Myanmar Piyamai Pichaiwongse, the country has left its human resources "unattended for a long time" and added that the situation will "take time" to develop.

According to Myanmar news website Mizzima, diversified hospitality, infrastructure improvements, better management of heritages are just a few things Myanmar needs to provide a better foundation for tourism in 2017. According to the former Myanmar Marketing Committee Dr Aung Myat Kyaw, the Myanmar government is also impeding on its own plans by limiting diversified hospitality to hotel chains -- limiting access to hostels and guesthouses that locals can provide.

The news website also highlights the poor infrastructure of the country. Roads to travel to expensive resorts are quite long -- amplified by severe traffic in urban areas and even long roads. A limited number of airports also restrict international access in the countries -- along with poor internet service in many areas of the country.