ACCORDING to the Myanmar Tourism Federation (MTF), domestic travel in Myanmar is expected to increase further in early 2025, following a surge in beachgoers and visitors to the Bagan region during December 2024.

Since November, the Taunggyi Tazaungdine Hot-Air Balloon Festival has attracted domestic travellers to Shan State (South). Visitor numbers to beach destinations have risen steadily throughout the year, while the Bagan region has also experienced consistent monthly growth in tourist arrivals.

“In December, we saw more domestic visitors than anticipated. Hotels have been fully booked since the start of the month, leaving no vacancies. December and January are set to witness a significant rise in travel activity. The beaches are busier than usual, and many hotels in Bagan are already fully booked. Additionally, there is strong interest in short trips to destinations like Kyaiktiyo and Hpa-an. Travel to Shan State’s Kalaw, Pindaya, and Taunggyi is also particularly popular in December,” said an official from the MTF.

Meanwhile, the number of foreign visitors to Myanmar typically declines in December. During the 10 months, most international tourists came from Thailand, China, South Korea, Japan, India, and Vietnam, with 898,971 foreign arrivals reported.

ASH/MKKS

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