Tourism in Myeik archipelago these days mostly depend on locals rather than foreign and domestic visitors, according to sources.

As there are few domestic visitors and no foreign visitors to the area, tourism agencies have to target locals to resume their operations.

“We are creating new destinations but there are very few visitors. If the visitors choose to come from land, the safety for the travellers isn’t guarantee and if they choose to come by airway, tickets fees are sky rocketing. Next, fuel price is also increasing and as a result, charges for trips are also increased. Therefore, domestic visitors don’t’ interest to visit Myeik archipelago. It’s been a long time that foreign visitors come to visit,” said a man from tourism industry.

“On holidays such as Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Thingyan, we are planning short trips for locals with reasonable charges. We’ll stop our services after Chinese New Year and Thingyan holidays. Although these trips are day trips, it cost more than Ks100,000 per person. It makes us headache. There are only 3 or 4 travel agencies now,” said another man from the tourism industry.

After COVID-19 pandemic, tourism in Myeik archipelago faced challenges. In addition, political, instability along the trip, and charges in air plane tickets caused more challenges. In the past, there are over 40 travel agencies in the Myeik archipelago but now, majority of them stopped their operations.