Myanmar Tourism Slips as Foreign Arrivals Dip in 2025

[geovalin]

 

 

 

 

YANGON — Myanmar welcomed just over half a million foreign tourists in the first six months of 2025, marking a drop compared to the same period last year, according to government figures released Tuesday.

 

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism reported a total of 500,125 international arrivals between January and June, down from 601,640 during the same period in 2024. The numbers suggest a slowing recovery in Myanmar’s tourism sector, which has been attempting to rebuild following years of political instability and global travel disruptions.

 

The majority of visitors came from China, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and India, an official told Xinhua news agency, adding that interest from regional travellers remained relatively steady despite the overall decline.

 

In total, Myanmar attracted just over 1.06 million foreign tourists throughout 2024. While this year’s mid-point figure suggests the country could again reach the million-mark by year’s end, the pace has clearly softened.

A Cautious Return

Tourism in Myanmar has been under pressure since the 2021 military coup, with safety concerns and limited international connectivity impacting visitor confidence. Though the government has been keen to promote the country as a safe and welcoming destination, global advisories and sanctions continue to influence foreign travel decisions.

 

Despite infrastructure improvements and promotional campaigns targeting Asian markets, industry analysts warn that geopolitical uncertainty and restricted media access may continue to hamper Myanmar’s ability to draw Western tourists in particular.

Looking Ahead

Officials remain hopeful for a late-year boost, potentially aided by regional festivals and improved transport links. However, with global competition for post-pandemic travellers intensifying, Myanmar’s path to full tourism recovery remains complex.

A fuller picture is expected with second-half figures, but for now, the industry appears to be treading water.

 

-2025-07-16

[Halfaboy]

What would be the safe places or areas to visit ?

[Mahseer]

1 hour ago, Halfaboy said:

What would be the safe places or areas to visit ?

Rangoon / Mandalay / Bagan / Nyaung Shwe (Inle Lake) / Kalaw / Taunggyi / Mergui Archipelago to name a few.
 

Flights from Bangkok to Rangoon & Mandalay, Chiang Mai to Rangoon. E visa normally issued within 48 hours and valid for 28 days single entry.

 

[Halfaboy]

I had the impression that fights were going on in the Sagain area (near Mandalay).

[MarkBR]

3 hours ago, geovalin said:

 

 

 

 

YANGON — Myanmar welcomed just over half a million foreign tourists in the first six months of 2025, marking a drop compared to the same period last year, according to government figures released Tuesday.

 

The Ministry of Hotels and Tourism reported a total of 500,125 international arrivals between January and June, down from 601,640 during the same period in 2024. The numbers suggest a slowing recovery in Myanmar’s tourism sector, which has been attempting to rebuild following years of political instability and global travel disruptions.

 

The majority of visitors came from China, Thailand, South Korea, Japan, and India, an official told Xinhua news agency, adding that interest from regional travellers remained relatively steady despite the overall decline.

 

In total, Myanmar attracted just over 1.06 million foreign tourists throughout 2024. While this year’s mid-point figure suggests the country could again reach the million-mark by year’s end, the pace has clearly softened.

A Cautious Return

Tourism in Myanmar has been under pressure since the 2021 military coup, with safety concerns and limited international connectivity impacting visitor confidence. Though the government has been keen to promote the country as a safe and welcoming destination, global advisories and sanctions continue to influence foreign travel decisions.

 

Despite infrastructure improvements and promotional campaigns targeting Asian markets, industry analysts warn that geopolitical uncertainty and restricted media access may continue to hamper Myanmar’s ability to draw Western tourists in particular.

Looking Ahead

Officials remain hopeful for a late-year boost, potentially aided by regional festivals and improved transport links. However, with global competition for post-pandemic travellers intensifying, Myanmar’s path to full tourism recovery remains complex.

A fuller picture is expected with second-half figures, but for now, the industry appears to be treading water.

 

-2025-07-16

Why go to a country in the middle of a civil war?

[Will B Good]

 

 

There must be huge sense of relief in TAT that numbers no longer count......it's value now......only the big spenders count.....the Indians and Chinese.

[Mahseer]

1 hour ago, Halfaboy said:

I had the impression that fights were going on in the Sagain area (near Mandalay).

Mandalay yes but not even sure there is an airport in Sagaing.

[spidermike007]

Let's go to Burma this year honey for vacation. I hear that there's only a 10% chance of us dying and wouldn't it be incredible to watch the local people around us getting slaughtered by a genocidal junta?

 

Now that's my idea of a great vacation. And I hear the hotels are really cheap now. And there will be at least 12 other tourists  in Burma at the same time.