Myanmar Tourism Federation is discussing with tourism-related associations to reduce visa restrictions on some Western countries whose travel rate has  decreased by about 40 percent due to the Rakhine issue, said MTF vice president Khin Aung Tun.

Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Ohn Maung will attend the world largest travel and tourism trade shows to be held in Germany in the first week of March.

"Like Asian countries, they are also considering Western countries. I mean the minister. Discussion is underway to reduce restrictions on visa on arrival for some European countries. I don't know which countries. We are discussing with relevant tourism associations which countries should be considered and why. Following the Rakhine issue, travel rate from Western countries fell by about 40 percent in 2018. We will not see much progress this year also. But we are trying in various ways," said Khin Aung Tun.

Currently, visa restrictions have been cut for China, Japan, Korea and India. Moreover, suggestions were sought from tourism associations to reduce visa restrictions on some other countries and the matter was submitted to the ministry on January 31.

"In EU countries, we need to know which countries do find fault with our country and which countries can spend lavishly on tourism such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Russia. I don't know about England. Belgium and Switzerland were good to us. We should even grant free visa to those countries.

Under Act East Policy, Myanmar is reducing visa restrictions to improve travels from ASEAN countries as well as Japan, China, Korea and India. Travel rate from China has significantly improved by about 40 percent.

Myanmar saw 3,551,428 foreign tourists last year and most entered the country via border point of entry.