Myanmar is a fascinating destination, which has been discovered by millions of tourists in recent years. There are several luxury hotels in Yangon and colonial-style properties in Mandalay, in order to meet the high demand for accommodation. Additionally, Myanmar visa rules have been simplified and visitors from certain destinations can obtain their visas upon arrival. All of this has an effect on the number of tourist arrivals.
The prediction is an increase in annual visitors to 6,000,000 in 2017. By 2030, the number of passengers is expected to increase to 30 million. However, that tourism growth really depends on infrastructure improvements.
There is a need for better airport infrastructure to cope with the development of the tourism industry. The great distances between major cities and attractions require aerial developments over the next few years. This is why Myanmar’s aviation industry has opened its doors to foreign investment.
Companies have recognized the huge potential of Yangon hotels and other tourism-related businesses and are looking for investment opportunities. Myanmar’s fast-growing airline industry attracts many international airlines to increase their services to the country, which appears to be the most underserved market in Southeast Asia.
There are eight airlines in Myanmar: Air Mandalay, Air KBZ, GMA, Yangon Airways, Air Bagan, Asia Wings, and Mann Yadanapon. Three of them are already interested in operating airports in Myanmar. Myanmar Airways International will purchase new aircraft, in response to the huge increase in tourism. There will also be more flights from Yangon, Mandalay and the capital, Nay Pyi Daw.
Mann Yadanapon Airline’s first plane landed at Yangon International Airport. A new ATR 72-600 aircraft, based on the flight, has started flying to domestic destinations such as Yangon, Nyaung and Heho. The new aircraft has arrived from Toulouse, France, where it was manufactured. The second plane will arrive in Yangon at the end of March and the third plane will arrive in November. Currently, more than 20 foreign airlines operate in Myanmar. Bangkok Airways, for example, has launched new services to Myanmar’s capital Nay Pyi Daw.
Myanmar has 49 airports, three international and 46 domestic. Last year, there was a record 4,000,000 visitors to Myanmar’s domestic airports. The largest number of visitors landed at Yangon International Airport, followed by Mandalay International Airport and Heho Airport. By April 2014, Myanmar’s airports, including the state-of-the-art airport in the capital, Nay Pyi Daw, will be transferred to private sector use and will be open to international foreign investors.
Private investors have been invited to upgrade 30 domestic airlines in Myanmar. Initial access to this market has been granted to Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and China. Myanmar is also considered a key market for low-cost airlines, as many workers in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Thailand are from Myanmar.