In a bid to address the declining number of Western travelers to Myanmar, the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism will issue visas-on-arrival to travelers at a cost of US$50. 

Deputy director-general of Hotels and Tourism Ministry U Aung Aye Han said as a result of the Rohingya conflict, a plan was hatched to entice foreign travelers back to the region.  

The ministry is waiting for approval for the new scheme from the Union government, which is expected to be granted later this month, and will come into effect in September when tourist high-season begins. 

Colliers International Myanmar (CIM) told WILLIAMS MEDIA it is crucial that the government still initiate strategies intended for the revival of Westerners’ confidence, as travelers from this market source still generate higher tourism sales receipts compared to Asian visitors.  

“This strategy from the government is a welcome initiative in furthering growth in the industry,” CIM stated.  

“On a larger scope, addressing poor infrastructure, besides the need for better country branding and aggressive tourism campaigns, should be vital in supporting and strengthening the hotel and tourism businesses across the country.” 

Tour operators believe the visas will likely to be available for passport holders from Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Germany and Australia and will allow visits of up to 30 days in Myanmar costing US$50. 

U Aung Aye Han said the approved countries would have robust ties with Myanmar, and pose an interested in visiting the Asian country. 

Currently Myanmar issues visas-on-arrival for citizens of all ASEAN countries except Malaysia, as well as for Japan, South Korea, Macao, Hong Kong and China. 

Vice chairman of the Union of Myanmar Travel Association U Khin Aung Tun said the initiative will cover around 20 countries.  

While the majority of the Western travelers are from Germany and France, their numbers sit around 10,000 per year on average—less than 10 percent of the total number of Asian travelers from countries like China, Korea, Japan and Thailand. 

U Khin Aung Tun said the scenario would be better if Western and Eastern visitors were on par.  

According to the hotels and tourism ministry, the country received 3 million visitors in 2018, mainly the Chinese travelers, and these arrivals have doubled so far this year compared to the same period last year. 

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