Tourism stakeholders in Myanmar have united to provide aid in support of communities affected by the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which had its epicentre in Mandalay.
On Monday, Myanmar Tourism Marketing, the Union of Myanmar Travel Association, Myanmar Hotelier Association, and Myanmar Tourism Federation held a meeting, with a team on the ground in Mandalay working to provide basic needs, including medicine, water, food, and shelter.
“We also deeply appreciate the global community’s support in times of crisis,” said Sammy Samuels, founder of Myanmar Shalom Travels. “In Yangon, we’re all ok physically, but mentally it’s heart-breaking to see the suffering. Our thoughts are with everyone in Mandalay and the surrounding areas affected by the tragedy.”
Edwin Briels, managing director of Exploration Travel, reported the destruction of homes, hotels and restaurants in Mandalay and Inle Lake, as well as famous tourist landmarks in Mingun, Ava and Mandalay.
“Many people and companies from the tourism industry are immediately helping the victims of the earthquake, and providing food, water and whatever else is needed,” he said.
“The big challenge will be rebuilding Mandalay and Inle Lake and all other places after the earthquake. Financially this is challenging as people are not insured and because the conflict continues.”
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Exploration Travel Myanmar has converted its office into a mental health centre. Briels shared that Counselling Corner Myanmar is now providing mental health support to those affected by the earthquake.
While there is no earthquake damage in Yangon and tourism infrastructure remains intact, internet restrictions persist, and electricity is limited to two to four hours a day, with most hotels relying on generators.
Both Asian Trails and EXO Travel Myanmar reported that all its guests and staff in the country were safe and not impacted by the deadly earthquake, with the mounting death toll predicted to surpass 3,000.
