EUROPEAN fascination for Myanmar remains untouched, with tour operators attending ITB Berlin reporting growth in bookings for 2015 despite news of violence close to the Myanmar-China border.
Phyoe Wai Yar Zar, chairman of Myanmar Tourism Marketing, said there had been concerns among the trade if Myanmar was safe to visit, but there has been no impact on arrivals.
“Since the conflict on the north-eastern Chinese border, we have been sending updates that the location (of the fighting) is remote and the situation has been contained,” he said, adding that a group of his clients had crossed into Myanmar from Yunnan without incident at the same time the violence was taking place.
Clashes between ethnic Kokang rebels and government troops broke out in northern Shan state in early February.
But Myanmar tour operators say that business has continued to be positive, and the South-east Asian nation has brought 50 travel stakeholders to Berlin, its biggest delegation to date.
Zanaida Des Aubris, sales manager Europe, Myanmar Bavarian Travels and Tours, said: “We have seen growing demand to Myanmar from (German-speaking markets). At this point, bookings for 2015 are up by 20 per cent over last year.”
Customers have approached her with safety concerns, but there have been no cancellations or postponements so far.
Similarly, Thatoe Thuzaraung, director general of Authentic Myanmar Travel & Tours, reported stronger European interest. “We have come up with new special interest products, such as trekking in Kyaing Tong and southern Shan state (for Europeans).”
Read more stories in TTG Asia-ITB Berlin 2015 Daily
