Data from the Myanmar Hotel and Tourism Ministry has shown there was a 3.15% increase in foreign visitors during 2018 compared with the previous year.

According to the ministry, Myanmar attracted 3.55 million foreign visitors last year, representing growth from 2017 when there were 3.44 million.

Myanmar Business Today reports that China topped the list of Asian travellers with 297,400 visitors, followed by Thailand with 291,231 visitors.

At a glance:

• Myanmar attracted 3.55 million foreign visitors in 2018, according to the Hotel and Tourism Ministry.
• China topped the list of Asian travellers with 297,400 visitors.
• There were 3.44 million foreign visitors in 2017. 

Starting from October 1, last year, Myanmar has been granting visa exemption to Japanese and South Korean visitors as well as visa-on-arrival to Chinese travellers.

Ministry director U Myo Win Nyunt said the tourism income for the year would reflect the strong visitor numbers from Asia.

“During 2018, tourist arrivals from western countries were low, and most visitors came from Asia, so the amount of tourism income will be different than last year," he said.

"Tourism income is calculated based on spending for accommodation, visas, local transportation, restaurants, attraction entrance fees, souvenirs, entertainment, and donations.

"We conduct surveys of these factors when they leave the country."

Source: Consult-Myanmar, Myanmar Business Today

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