ITB Berlin 2018: Myanmar calls for European support in growing tourism sector
Representatives from Myanmar Tourism Marketing have called for action from European tour operators to support tourism in the country.
Speaking at the start of ITB Berlin, the body called on tour operators to be leaders in sustainability and to keep engaging with Myanmar.
“We do call on everybody visiting the ITB to support the Myanmar tourism industry and actively promote Myanmar as a sustainable tourist destination and we ask people not to politicise tourism but instead help Myanmar to celebrate its cultural diversity,” said May Myat Mon Win, Myanmar Tourism Marketing chairperson.
In 2017, Myanmar recorded a total of 1.1 million arrivals at Yangon International Airport.
It was an increase of seven per cent compared to arrivals in the same period of 2016.
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The main increases were from China and other Asian countries while the number of International arrivals at Yangon airport from Western countries increased only by two per cent.
Myanmar is hoping to attract tourists by having a green season promotion with special offers from hotels, restaurants and airlines at popular destinations throughout the country.
The Myanmar Tourism industry is focussed on the diversity the country offers to tourists including new community-based tourism projects that have been set-up around the country, variety in festivals and food and the diversity in sights.
“The time that visiting Myanmar was only about temples is long gone,” said May Myat Mon Win, “and the new Myanmar offers activities for people of any age and nationality.”
Myanmar Tourism Marketing aims to have more tourists in 2018 as tourism can help in poverty reduction and connect communities all around the country.
During ITB Berlin, Myanmar Tourism Marketing is organising a range of activities: the launch of the new green season brochure, the Mekong Mini Movie festival launch, and a Myanmar wine evening.