Myanmar soars in popularity

EMERGING from a strong rebound after three dismal years, tour operators and hotels are expecting that demand for Myanmar will continue to grow in 2011, despite an impending increase in room rates.

Exotissimo Travel general manager for Germany, Pantanida Jantsakool, said Myanmar was the fastest-growing destination for the Bangkok-based DMC, with sales doubling in 2010 compared to the year before.

“We’re seeing a big, big increase for Myanmar. Demand dropped a lot because of the cyclone and political problems in the last few years, but now the country is calm and stable again.”

Yangon-based Golden Trip Travels & Tours director Tilly Sand said business had also increased by at least 50 per cent from the Belgian, French and Dutch markets for the high season from October through March this year.

“We’re seeing both groups and adventure-seeking travellers, who do trekking, bike and eco-tours.”

As a sign of the booming market, Myanmar Airways International (MAI) marketing & commercial executive Aye Mra Tha said the airline was also planning to fly to Dubai by October to bring in more European travellers through a codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways.

– Full report in TTG Asia

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