The number of Chinese tourists coming to Myanmar, in nine months from January to September this year, exceeded over 300,000 compared to the same period of last year, according to figures released by the ministry of labour, immigration and population.
This year saw 325,193 more Chinese visitors as there were 198,256 in 2018 and 523,449 in 2019. The percentage increased to 164 % this year. Due to Rakhine conflict, the number of tourists from Western countries fell by 40 percent.
As part of east look policy, Myanmar granted visa exemption for tourists from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Macao from October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019. For those Chinese tourists who entered Myanmar by air were granted visa on arrival for a one-year trial period. As a result, Chinese tourist arrivals have increased.
Free visa and visa on arrival will be extended for one more year from October 2019 to September 30, 2020.
In the nine months of 2019, Korean tourists arrived in the second largest number, followed by Japan.
The number of tourists from Asean countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore has decreased.
The government is taking measures for controlling zero budget travelling. It is expected to see over 4.5 million tourists in 2020, according to Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association.
