Yangon--Tourism industry and related businesses see a significant drop in income due to the impact of Covid-19, according to the discussion over the Covid-19 between the UMFCCI, business associations and entrepreneurs.

Most of small local tourism companies have to suspend their businesses. As a result, income generated by hotels, restaurants, transportation services and guest houses has declined.

Local tourism sector has to rely mainly on Chinese tourists. Following the Covid-19 outbreak, the number of  Chinese tourists has declined significantly.

According to the statement by the UMFCCI, the tourist arrivals by flight declined by 53 per cent and the flight operations dropped by around 60 per cent in Myanmar.

At a press conference on 21 February, Naw Pan Thinzar Myo, Yangon Region Kayin Ethnic Affairs Minister said: “As a measure to prevent the spreading of virus, some airlines flying between Myanmar and China have temporarily suspended their flight operations. Due to the suspension of flight operations, the number of Chinese tourists arrivals has declined significantly. From 20 to 24 January before the suspension of flight operations, the number of Chinese tourists was 6,287. Of them, the number of those who entered the country with visa on arrival and tourist visa was 2,800. Chinese tourists account for 45 per cent of the total tourist arrivals. During the five-day suspension period, the number of Chinese tourist arrivals was 3,959. Of them, the number of those who entered the country with visa on arrival and tourist visa was 1,302.”

The number of Chinese tourist arrivals declined by 37 per cent as the figures before and after the suspension were compared, she added.